The death last Sunday (27th January 2008) of former President Suharto of Indonesia meant an end of an era for Indonesia. Suharto was known for bringing developments to Indonesia which was denied to her people during President Sukarno's rule. Sukarno was more well known for his nationalism and womanizing. He was not interested in money and wealth.
Under Suharto, Indonesia became very prosperous. There were a lot of developmental projects undertaken. A large number of schools and universities were built. There were improvements to the infrastructures. New road works were built and railway networks improved. Indonesia became self sufficient in food production.
During his rule Suharto was a very powerful president. Everything had to go through him or his trusted right hand men. All these led to corruption and abuses of power. Even each of his children competed to be billionaires in their own rights. Greediness became the culture of the ruling elites. It was the country that ultimately suffered. Hence after the Asian Economic Crisis of 1997 there was no way that the regime can survive it. Thus not surprising when he was toppled in 1998 through widespread demonstrations against his rule.
In the post-Suharto era there are more transparency in the country. The media is given a very wide space and at times very critical of the government. The formerly centralized structure of government was changed. More powers are given to the provinces. They are also given a fair portion of their incomes unlike before when all were remitted centrally to Jakarta.
Indonesia does not have any subsidies for its fuel prices. The prices follow the current world market.
With powers now more vested at provincial and local authority levels, corruption now are beginning to be widespread at these levels. The authorities in Indonesia must take drastic actions to eradicate them otherwise the nation's wealth will be siphoned off by these corrupt officials.
Malaysia also under its new Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who took over in 2003 gave more political and social space to its citizens. Pak Lah also promised to fight against corruption and making it an important agenda of his administration. The government is more transparent in its decision making. The new administration brought a fresh air of hope with it.
But unlike Indonesia with its predominantly Muslim population, Malaysia is a more multi religious and multicultural country. Thus Malaysia needs a delicate balancing mechanism that must always be put into place in order to maintain social and political stability.
A totally free-for-all situation can easily turn into a serious racial crisis detrimental to the country. The recent demonstration by Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) is a good example. It leaves a bitter taste among the Malays with the lies spread by some Hindraf leaders. Lies, like for example, that there were ethnic cleansing of Indians by 'an extremist Malay government'. And statements by Hindraf that their enemy is UMNO not realizing that UMNO represents the Malays. By treating UMNO as their enemy they are telling the world that Malays are their enemies. This sort of situation is not good for social stability.
Hence when five main leaders of Hindraf were arrested under ISA in mid December 2007 there was an overall relief. The balancing mechanism is put into place again.
Imagine what will happen if the Malays want to have demonstrations of their own to show their feelings? Where will this lead Maklaysia to? Definitely towards anarchy and chaos. Not good for the stability and well being of the nation.
The issue on the problems of the Indian communities will be settled through the power sharing mechanism of Barisan Nasional where there are Indian-based parties who could voiced whatever problems facing the community. Taking action the Hindraf way will not benefit the Indians in the long run.
The new era in both countries should auger well for development of the various political institutions. The political and social institutions should be allowed to strengthen and take roots. Unlike Suharto's Indonesia and Malaysia under Dr Mahathir the executive were all powerful and always interfered into the jurisdiction of the other arms of government. These institutions just became tools of the executive branch.
Another important aspect of the new era, hopefully, will see more accountability on those given the powers to rule the country. These leaders are given the trust by the people through elections and they must be accountable for their actions. Those who were found not trustworthy should be asked to resign. They are answerable not only to the peoples but also to God, the Creator of the Universe to Whom we are all ultimately accountable to for all our actions here on earth.
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