JULY 7 — Abraham Lincoln once wisely said that if you want to test a man’s character, you give him power.
A power struggle occurs when a person or party insists on running its own show. It usually actualises from a person’s cemented beliefs about what is right. The power struggle is a common term that not only applies to the political arena but also in our personal and work life. You must be extremely lucky if you have not experienced one!
Well, it takes two to create a power struggle. The easiest example is to take a quick peep into the nearest marriage or relationship (maybe even your own).
When two individuals decide to be involved in a romantic relationship, each brings something into the mix.
One partner may be naturally aggressive in dealing with other people, while the other may be more passive. But not many people can actually remain completely complacent about important matters which affect their lives.
In Malaysia itself, we have witnessed many examples of the political power struggle. Some with happy endings, some with sad ones, while others remain hanging and unresolved.
The MCA
In the past, the power equilibrium was the key focus of the MCA but the pattern changed.
The former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, once disgraced by a sex video scandal, was locked in a power struggle with the now-former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
The conflict came to a head when the MCA presidential council decided to accept the disciplinary committee’s recommendation to expel Dr Chua for his involvement in the sex video scandal, which had seriously damaged the public image of the MCA.
In the end, Dr Chua won the top post of the MCA.
On whether he can revive the MCA and win the respect of Barisan Nasional (BN) and the people, all will only be revealed in the next general election.
The power struggle between the two “heavy-weights” of the MCA was an interesting one at that point of time. The fracas resulted in Ong Tee Keat being dropped from the Cabinet.
Khalid Ibrahim vs Azmin Ali
Another recent example which has made the headlines is the “fight” between the Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and PKR vice president Azmin Ali. Much speculation has been raised. Although both denied their rivalry openly, it is rather obvious that there is no such need for a cover-up.
Both have their own leadership styles. Khalid is seen as one carrying out his duties in a corporate style, while the latter is often described as “ambitious” and has what it takes to be a political leader.
A group of 15 PKR MPs allegedly moved to have Khalid removed from the MB post. At the same time, Azmin tendered his resignation as a board member of the Selangor State Corporation Development (PKNS), which is helmed by Khalid.
PKR made some changes to their leadership structure after their retreat last weekend. This resulted in the take-over by Azmin as the chief of the Selangor PKR, replacing Khalid.
However, the main problem in a compromise is getting both sides to realise that the price of continued struggle is higher than the costs and consequences of reducing demands.
This deal, I am afraid, might not last long.
Barisan Nasional vs Pakatan Rakyat
Then there is the political power struggle between the two alliances — the ruling BN and the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
With a weaker government after the unprecedented losses in the last general election, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the BN government are under pressure to make some radical adjustments in government policies in order to increase their credibility. Meanwhile, PR and its rhetoric about “People Power” is still a fragile coalition and has much to do in order to renew public confidence and the trust of the people.
It is undeniable that many people are angry with the BN, but does PR offer a better alternative?
At the same time, the social and economic issues that have long frustrated the people, and which were highlighted during Election 2008, are continually being ignored and left unattended.
In the midst of the prevailing negative circumstances, the struggle for political power between the two continues.
Balance of power
Power does not bring growth unless we understand the essence of sharing that power.
Currently, the real threat to political stability in the country does not only come from the coalition conflicts over unresolved issues, but also the economy, particularly the rural-urban income disparity and the price hikes.
The continuing political turmoil is not simply a battle between Najib and Datu Seri Anwar Ibrahim on who will be the next prime minister, but reflects the frustration of the people over the deteriorating living standards and the inconsistency of government policies.
Neither the government nor the opposition is capable of resolving the underlying economic crisis at this stage.
It is understandable that the quest to acquire power can be equally destructive and offensive most of the time, but there is also a need to be fully aware that the concept of the power struggle is as certain and as worrisome in this modern day as it ever was.
* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.