opinion In Malaysia, the divisions of ethnicity, religion and language sometimes distort information and opinions. They colour impression, perception and judgment in politics. They could also be exploited and manipulated, to create or reinforce fear and suspicion among different communities, in order to preserve the ethnicity and religion-based political system.

Above all, it has enabled a few generations of politicians, propagandists and operatives of psychological operations (PSYOP) - in the mainstream media as well as in the police Special Branch - to create and preserve jobs and earn dishonourable and dishonest living.

Thus, when Keadilan (National Justice Party) was formed in April, and participated in the general Nov 1999 elections, it was labelled and characterized as a party of 'Malay/Muslim mob' and 'Iranian-like Islamic fundamentalists'.

In the Malay/Muslim community, the party was portrayed as a 'traitor of the Malay race' because Anwar Ibrahim was said to be an 'American agent'. And his wife and president of the party, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was said to be of a 'dragon brand' or 'cap naga' - meaning that she was Chinese.

However, the recently concluded party elections have proven Keadilan, as a party of Malaysians which is willing to seek unity in diversity in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country.

Although the party is still predominantly Malays/Muslims, the fact that Chinese, Indians, Buddhists, Christians, Sikh, Sabahans are elected or appointed to leadership positions in the supreme council, speaks volumes of its political maturity.

Role model

Keadilan members have made their party the epitome of the real-life Malaysian society. This is unlike the so-called 'Malaysia' that exists only in the 'theoretical' minds of the larger-than-life ideologues of Umno, MCA, MIC.

A more fundamental message emanating from the party elections, is that the principle of multi-ethnic and multi-religious synergy in politics, can be worked out under one roof. It need not be separated by balance-of-power and Byzantine compartments. Adults must first set examples or play role models for children before they advocate national unity, Bangsa Malaysia and liberated psychology.

Why blame university students for 'racial and religious polarisation' if their adult teachers and leaders still attend Umno, MCA and MIC meetings and constantly remind them that they are Malays/Muslims or Chinese or Indians first, and Malaysians only second?

In short, the new leadership lineup has provided security for the Malays/Muslims, and recognition for the non-Malays/Muslims.

The three-year old Keadilan has done an even better job in promoting national unity and integration - through democratic persuasion and not force and fraud - than Umno, MCA and MIC which have been in existence for almost half a century.

Keadilan has shown that even as an opposition party operating under a pre-modern and highly repressive political environment, it has attracted professionally and academically qualified Malaysians. And they are people such as Dr Partap Singh Maan, Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, artist-cum-lawyer Cheah Kah Peng, medical specialist Dr Lee Boon Chye, lawyer Christina Liew, accountant Abdul Rahman Othman, and Taiwanese graduates like Low Chee Cheong.

It augurs well for the party to establish itself as a outfit for popular democratisation, and as an alternative party with potentially qualified leaders of the nation.

Challenges ahead

However, there are still many challenges ahead for the party. Keadilan, despite their achievements, must not be rest on its laurels.

First, it has to improve the party administration and management. Long-term political struggle cannot be sustained by relying on political romanticism, popular idealism, mass spontaneity and personal appeal of individual leaders.

In other words, it has to start to institutionalise and coordinate organisations at all levels. This can be done through publicity and public education, information and intelligence, strategic and tactical think tanks, public and media relations, and training and political education.

Second, it has to continue providing opportunities for its members to understand and empathise with each other and the rakyat, not only at the elite level but also the grassroot level. For example, Malays/Muslims should visit Chinese new villages and estates, Chinese and Indians should likewise visit Malay kampungs and states like Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis..

Third, members of parliament and state assemblymen should be more media-friendly, visible, vocal and reasonable in the legislatures, while the leaders of the non-parliamentary caucus should put in more effort to project their presence and image.

Politics is ultimately the art, not science of the possible. Thus, while Keadilan is already structurally stable, its future thence lies in the hands of its leaders, members and supporters.