Politics, as many would agree, is a game of promises. Politicians rise to power on the back of grand pledges: to serve the people, uplift the state, and protect the nation.
However, once the campaigning ends and governance begins, the reality often becomes convoluted. The public frequently witnesses politicians entangled in bitter feuds, not over policy debates or constructive ideas, but in a relentless effort to tarnish their opponents’ reputations.
If these leaders truly care for the people, why do they spend so much time trying to bring each other down instead of working together for the betterment of the nation?
A Cycle of Blame and Bickering
One of the most peculiar aspects of politics is how quickly discourse devolves into mudslinging. Campaigns are often a spectacle of accusations and deflections, where parties focus more on discrediting opponents than on showcasing their plans for progress.
This combative strategy may rally the base but leaves the public frustrated and disillusioned.
We see this pattern not just in Western democracies but closer to home in Malaysia and across Asia.
In Malaysia, political rivalry often takes center stage at the expense of policy discussions.
The situation is no different in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, or the Philippines, where personal attacks often cloud the real issues, making collaboration difficult.
Take Malaysia’s political landscape post-2018 general elections as a prime example. The historic victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, which unseated Barisan Nasional for the first time in decades, came with a wave of reforms.
However, soon after the win, internal strife within the ruling coalition and relentless attacks from the opposition resulted in the collapse of the government in 2020.
The political bickering that ensued not only affected governance but also delayed critical reforms such as economic recovery post-COVID-19 and anti-corruption measures.
In Thailand, political power struggles and protests have paralyzed the country on multiple occasions. The “red shirt” vs. “yellow shirt” conflicts during the 2000s and 2010s were fueled largely by political divisions, leaving key issues such as education reform, poverty alleviation, and national security unresolved.
What Should Politicians Be Doing?
If the core purpose of political service is to improve the lives of citizens, politicians must focus on collaboration.
Instead of engaging in endless rounds of accusations, they should work together to find great policies, combining knowledge and strengths for the greater good.
Here are some reasons why collaboration is essential:
Complex Problems Need Diverse Solutions:
Challenges like economic inequality, healthcare access, and climate change are multifaceted and require a variety of perspectives.
Political parties often hold different views, and when they work together, they can craft more comprehensive solutions that address the concerns of all citizens.
2. Public Interest Suffers in Political Gridlock:
When politicians prioritize infighting over problem-solving, citizens pay the price. Legislative delays and stalled progress hurt the very people politicians claim to serve.
For example, in Malaysia, the constant political maneuvering has delayed long-awaited reforms in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
3. Public Trust is Eroded:
When citizens observe their leaders engaging in personal attacks instead of delivering results, trust in the political system diminishes.
A Gallup study in 2021 found that political polarization and negativity reduce public confidence in democratic institutions. In countries like Malaysia and Thailand, frequent changes in leadership and coalition governments have created a sense of instability, further weakening trust in the political process.
4. Partisan Attacks Lead to Stalemate:
Constantly undermining the opposition can cripple future cooperation. In Malaysia, for instance, the continued rivalry between political heavyweights like UMNO, Bersatu, and PKR has led to a fractured political landscape, with parties unwilling to collaborate on urgent national issues like poverty reduction, job creation, and healthcare.
Scientific Studies on Political Collaboration and Conflict Resolution
Several studies shed light on how political strategy can shift toward more collaborative and constructive governance. A 2019 paper from the Journal of Conflict Resolution discusses how deliberative democracy, a form of decision-making where stakeholders engage in dialogue and reasoned debate, can lead to more effective governance.
In this model, political actors are encouraged to focus on common goals and consensus-building rather than adversarial tactics.
Similarly, a study published in the American Political Science Review (2020) suggests that coalition-building can improve governance outcomes.
The research found that when political leaders form alliances based on policy rather than personal ambition or party loyalty, governments are more stable, and policies are better aligned with public interests.
In the context of Southeast Asia, a research paper from the Asian Journal of Comparative Politics (2021) highlights how multi-party coalitions in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, when functioning effectively, can deliver stronger governance by combining the strengths of different political ideologies.
However, the study also notes that such coalitions are vulnerable to collapse if individual interests override collective goals, as seen in Malaysia’s political turmoil post-2018.
Another scientific analysis, published by the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in India, emphasizes the role of civic engagement and public accountability in reducing political negativity.
The report outlines how increased public involvement in the legislative process—through town halls, open discussions, and transparent communication—forces politicians to focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks, thereby promoting more positive political discourse.
Real-Life Examples: The Cost of Political Conflict
One of the most striking examples in Malaysia involves the long-standing rivalry between UMNO and the opposition.
This rivalry has been marked by smear campaigns, personal attacks, and political betrayals, with both sides spending more time accusing each other of corruption and incompetence rather than discussing reforms.
As a result, essential policy initiatives, such as healthcare reform and national development strategies, remain in limbo.
In India, political infighting between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress has often derailed important reforms.
While both parties promise economic progress and poverty alleviation, the battle for power leads to a political gridlock that halts progress.
For instance, critical reforms related to labor laws, taxation, and healthcare have been delayed due to political tussles.
In the Philippines, the confrontations between the Duterte administration and the opposition have also created a combative atmosphere, delaying vital reforms related to human rights, economic policy, and national security.
The political culture has become so polarized that any attempt at policy collaboration is seen as a betrayal by party hardliners, leaving citizens at the mercy of stalled governance.
The Way Forward: Fostering a Collaborative Political Culture
The time has come for politicians in Malaysia and across Asia to prioritize unity and collaboration over division. Here are a few ways they can move toward this goal:
1. Focus on Policy, Not Personalities: Politicians should move beyond personal attacks and focus on constructive criticism. If one party presents a flawed proposal, instead of ridiculing it, the opposition should offer improvements or alternative ideas.
2. Incentivize Bipartisanship:
Political systems should reward collaboration. In Malaysia, for example, cross-party committees could be formed to address national challenges such as food security, economic recovery, and public healthcare.
These committees should be public-facing, ensuring that citizens are aware of efforts to collaborate across party lines.
3. Encourage Public Accountability:
Citizens must demand more from their elected leaders. Public forums, debates, and discussions should emphasize constructive dialogue and policy over personal attacks.
In countries like South Korea and Taiwan, public debates focus largely on policy proposals, ensuring that voters understand the candidates’ stances on critical issues.
4. Educate Future Leaders on Collaboration:
Political training programs should emphasize the importance of consensus-building and collaboration. Young politicians should be taught that governance is about working together for the greater good, not about defeating the opposition at all costs.
The peculiar nature of politics today is that, despite all the rhetoric about serving the people, politicians often seem more interested in undermining each other.
This wastes time, erodes public trust, and delays meaningful policy implementation. If politicians truly care about the people, they must work together, combining their efforts and expertise to create a better future for all.
Political leaders in Malaysia and across Asia have a responsibility to rise above petty rivalries and deliver on the promises they make. The time has come to shift the focus from tearing down opponents to building up nations. As citizens, we must demand nothing less from our leaders.
