Renowned lyricist lauds DAP minister's 'positive' politicking

INTERVIEW | Renowned lyricist Habsah Hassan has rued the “extreme” approach practised by certain politicians and their followers.

According to her, such acts tarnish the image of the Malay community and Islam.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the septuagenarian urged politicians to emulate Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, whom she said had immaculate mannerisms for a politician.

“The Malays are supposed to be rich in manners, and as Muslims, pious. But today, we see hatred and bigotry have caused some Malays to lose faith.

“Look at Sim - he can do politics while uttering kind words and I’m in awe of such an attitude. That makes me wonder why, unlike Sim, others resort to using harsh and rude words while politicking, which goes against racial and religious norms,” said Habsah.

According to her, politics should be about being courteous despite having different views or ideologies.

The 74-year-old lauded Sim, who is also Bukit Mertajam MP, for using politics as a platform to help the rakyat, including taking in foster children.

She rubbished claims that such acts were publicity-seeking political stunts.

“It doesn’t matter if people call it political games. Yes, he (Sim) is politicking but it’s positive and the public can see him doing good,” she said.

Put rakyat above self, party interests

Habsah said differences of opinion are normal in politics and daily life.

However, what’s worrying is how certain quarters handle such differences with violence or extremism, she lamented.

Politicians, Habsah stressed, should put the rakyat’s interests above their own, or their parties, and work for the people during their respective stints in public office.

“As a Malay-Muslim layperson, I’m tired of seeing Malays who do politics non-stop, although the next election is still three years away. The same goes for the people (politicians’ supporters).

“There’s never-ending insults and slanders; I’m sad to see what my race has come to. I used to be proud of being Malay but now I’m ashamed of being one as my fellow Malays are always trying to bring down one another,” she said.

“We are busy fighting each other, where’s our dignity?”

Habsah said she has been disappointed with the country's political scenario for years and became “sensitive” after Dr Mahathir Mohamad became the prime minister.

She fondly looked back at the premiership of second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein.

Habsah was still in school then and she said that patriotism among Malaysians was at an all-time high.

“Back then, there was almost no corruption. Even if there were, they were not apparent.

“We can do a comparison if we have an open mind and can think,” she said.

'Campaign ban' - Lokman mulls legal action over slander in false statement

COMMENT | The Umno juggernaut rolls from ‘justice’ to ‘house arrest’

Bersatu not worried about Umno-PAS talks, says youth chief

Harapan leaders dismiss Umno-PAS talks as mere propaganda

Bersatu should be worried sick over Umno-PAS talks, Fahmi says

PN leaders continue to roar over Tiger Beer fundraiser