TUNKU ABDUL AZIZ: Politicians must put Malaysia first'

Source NST

NST speaks to Tunku Abdul Aziz on his views on politics and politicians and the crossover plan.

Q: What is your view of the crossover plan?

A: If you justify crossing over on the grounds that you will still continue to perform your duties, that justification really has no ethical foundation. As Abraham Lincoln once said: "Whatever is morally wrong cannot be politically right."

So the basis on which you are crossing over is in itself unethical. I am totally against such a practice because that is tantamount to abandoning democratic principles which we have all fought for.

In the fight for independence, for example, we were driven by dreams of political freedom and dreams of democratic practices and principles. And I despair when I think that politics has come to this because at the end of the day, whatever we do, particularly in the political arena, is in the area of public service. What MPs and state assemblymen are supposed to do is to perform public duties in the public interest.
Q: If the purported mass crossover happens, what are the reasons behind it?

A: I think the reasons are simply to gain an instant change of government and whether the process is legitimate or otherwise isn't really the point.

We have to consider: is this really how we want to portray the practice of politics in our own country. Of course, I regard this as assuming the mantle of government through the back door.

Q: What are the possible backlash effects of crossovers to Pakatan Rakyat and DAP in the long run, if any?

A: Well, if all cross over then the BN government will be out in the cold, which is an obvious scenario. But if this happens, I will not be a party to this, because my position is very clear: I will not support it; I will not go along.

Q: In this respect, are you going to be the voice of reason in Pakatan Rakyat?

A: I will certainly be the dissenting voice on this particular issue in Pakatan Rakyat.

Q: With existing uncertainties in the country's politics, more and more people are getting tired by the yet-to-be fulfilled promises that Pakatan Rakyat will form the government. What is your view?

A: I agree that there's a climate of uncertainty in the country, not only on the political front but now on the economic front as well. On the economic issue, we are very much affected by what is going on in the American financial system. But whatever it is, this uncertainty must be resolved quickly because it is not doing the country any good at all.

The perception internationally is that this country is becoming ungovernable. That is the impression created overseas, and this is unhealthy. Politicians on both sides of the political divide must put Malaysia first.

I'd like to see every political party adopt this model: that we must direct all our energies towards improving the political climate in this country.

Q: What are the main sentiments of DAP leaders and its members regarding the crossovers?

A: The DAP is not a monolithic organisation as it is made up of a lot of members. And, in the nature of things, there will be different views on this. From what I have seen and heard, there are a lot of people, across the whole spectrum, who feel crossing over is not a long-term solution. Sustainability is important and we should not go for short-term gains because they will not make the impact that we hope for in order to bring about change to the lives of the people.

Q: Since you have joined DAP and been appointed as the party's vice-chairman, are you still able to voice frank views about matters related to Pakatan Rakyat, including the crossovers?

A: My colleagues in DAP have always known me as an independent person. I am my own man and the fact that I have now joined a political party will not change my views on public ethics and morality. These are non-negotiable as far as I am concerned.

Q: In your past columns in the New Straits Times, you have been quite critical and vocal about political leaders, including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's theatrical acts. With current developments, what is your stand on this?

A: I stand by every word that I have written in my column. So those views remain intact. I joined DAP because it is a very democratic party. One of the principles of democracy is freedom of speech. Dissenting views are part and parcel of that process.

Q: Have you been asked by your colleagues to tone down?

A: No, no, no. They have been very open. I have been watching them for a very long time. Over the years, they have changed. They are not as strident and doctrinaire as they used to be. They are trying very hard to become a truly multiracial party. If there were more Malays in DAP, there would be a much better understanding of what DAP is all about.

The Malays view DAP as being shrouded in some mystery. It is seen as a chauvinistic Chinese party quarrelling over ridiculous issues like the wearing of songkok. This is one side of the DAP psychology, but they are mainly concerned with substantive national issues. We should not write them off as another lot of rabble-rousing political misfits.