Since attending the 2019 Socialist forum on 24 Nov 2019, organised by Party Socialist Malaysia, the term State Capitalism conquered my thoughts. I have always linked state capitalism to former socialist countries like Russia and China but every new information we learned about Malaysia’s GLCs -government link companies or state-owned businesses thanks to Professor Dr. Terence Gomez is alarming. The extent of control and monopoly the politicians (especially the Prime Minister(s)) is holding over these GLCs, sounds like dictatorship, and the center of power and cause of power struggle among the elite Bumiputeras. It was the reason for Najib’s fall and the reason for Mahathir’s comeback in the name of ‘New Malaysia’. Well the forum made us realize, what a bullshit that is! I meant about New Malaysia – merely alignment of power, as mentioned by one of the panelist, Assistant Professor Gayathry in the forum.
The 15th forum, organised faithfully every year by PSM is to discuss real issues affecting people. It was launched by Dr. Kumar, the chairperson of the party. His opening speech, “the political system in Malaysia is making the people look stupid. We talk about race, religion while sidelining issues that affects our day to day life. ”
Race or religion does not keep me, my family, my community and my country alive and safe. You know better what keeps us alive, right? Race and religion is nothing but a tool effectively used by the powers that be to emotionally blackmail us, I would say.
If and when the Socialist holds power, it is pertinent to already have a policy framework on how to administer and build a nation that ensures fair distribution of wealth and public participation on all matters while engaging with global capitalist (MNCs), hence the importance of this forum, said Dr. Kumar. Well said, as this is one the biggest challenges that we are witnessing in some Latin countries e.g. Venezuela, Bolivia and even Europe e.g. Greek. Indeed, more rational discussion needed.
We were screwed?
“Post 2018 election, what is new in Malaysia?”, the first panel discussion. Bersih 2.0 chair, Thomas Fann, gave a score, 37.5% and call the ‘new nation’ as making slow progress. I like his honesty especially the term, ‘resistance to reform are showing’. Likewise, Ass. Prof. Gayathry, who presented her case from the media point of view said that the media is still functioning in the same neoliberal (free market capitalism) structure. She was pointing out that media is an important indicator of democracy. If there was a genuine political change, media as part of society would also change its political and economic narrative. This is not happening yet as reporters are generally only reporting, lacking analysis and constructive criticism to the benefit of general public. Sensational news making headlines and financial sustainability seems to be all that matters for the media owners, be it the government or private. Take what happened to the Utusan Malaysia (mainstream newspaper started in 1939, ceased its service in October 2019) who retrenched some 800 workers without notice – if race and religion is the element of the current government, why did they allow this injustice to these workers who are all Bumiputeras – if the current PM’s ally could buy the newspaper, then they should also have the interest of these workers, wouldn’t they? So, why they are left in the lurch?
On Monday this week, Utusan Melayu Bhd sold a majority stake in its subsidiary which held the printing permits for Utusan and Kosmo!.The buyer was a company linked to tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, who has been on a media-buying spree in recent times.[Malaysia Kini]
You see their true color and still talking about your superior race and religion? Come on, businesses are to make maximum profit and cash is the king that determines powers that be. As Gayathry said, media is a conglomerate by itself with many other industries tied to media. People are neglected, not consulted and people’s well being is not their interest, only our votes.
Comrade Arul’s (Deputy Chairperson of PSM) presentation was most hilarious. Since PH (Pakatan Harapan) came to power last year May till todate, we had what some 9 by elections and only one was won by PH! Why are they so unpopular? Arul said that PSM expected that this government would be popular for at least 10 years. Oh, boy! and worst still he expected PH will be different from the previous BN government and will no longer use race politics openly and be more inclusive. He went on to say their expectation that PH would be more transparent and good governance would be their core essence. Since there are also many former activists in the new government, they will give tough fight to Bersatu, the tiny component party in Pakatan, headed by Mahathir, the Prime Minister. All are proven false hope! Now, I am happy for spoiling my vote though I queued for 2 hours. Only way to show my resistance!!!
Most frustrating, immediately when they came to power, some committees were formed on key reform issues – institutional reform, foreign workers, minimum wage and IPCMC. None of this reports were revealed and they were made classified information, said Arul. I was also shocked to hear that only the IPCMC (Independent Police Complains and Misconduct Commission) name remained, but everything else recommended by the civil societies for past 4 years, are changed. What is the point of this commission then?
Deep State
Excuse my stupidity, but this is the first time I heard of the term ‘Deep State’.
A deep state (from Turkish: derin devlet), also known as a state within a state, is a form of clandestine government made up of hidden or covert networks of power operating independently of a state’s political leadership, in pursuit of their own agenda and goals. Examples include organs of state, such as the armed forces or public authorities (intelligence agencies, police, secret police, administrative agencies, and government bureaucracy). A deep state can also take the form of entrenched, career civil servants acting in a non-conspiratorial manner, to further their own interests. The intent of a deep state can include continuity of the state itself, job security for its members, enhanced power and authority, and the pursuit of ideological objectives. It can operate in opposition to the agenda of elected officials, by obstructing, resisting, and subverting their policies, conditions and directives. It can also take the form of government-owned corporations or private companies that act independently of regulatory or governmental control.[1]
(Wikipedia)
Azmin disclosed that his ministry was created to take over the duties of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and that most of the 32 institutions placed under his jurisdiction were responsible for promoting or enforcing the bumiputera agenda. It includes two foundations, Yayasan Ekuiti Nasional and Yayasan Pelaburan Hartanah Bumiputera, key statutory bodies such as Felda, Felcra and Risda, and GLCs such as Amanah Raya and Ekuinas. Azmin also oversees the 13 state economic development corporations (SEDCs) and the Department of Statistics, probably because they have been under the control of the EPU.
With that definition, comes to my mind the recent clandestine meeting held by Azmin Ali, the Economic Affairs Minister, a new ministry apparently set up to control all the GLCs and keep the wealth within some elite Bumiputera control (by default Finance Ministry role is ditched for name sake only as it’s minister is a Chinese/DAP. Azmin is close with Mahathir and directly in conflict with Anwar Ibrahim (who was promised premiership in 2 years by Mahathir – wait forever!) though both are in PKR leadership position, the biggest component party of PH with some 50 seats (not very sure). Furthermore, there are other people not in the government, but so influential e.g. Daim Zainuddin in both business and politics, playing key role as chair of the Committee of Eminent Persons (CEP). [https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/09/17/daim-very-influential-well-hes-a-consultant-says-dr-m/1791257]
This brings us to the next topic, presented by Dr Edmund Terence Gomez, Government and Public Policies under Pakatan Harapan. Some key points that he highlighted within the short time was mind blowing especially how patronage politics turned into corruption which then became kleptocracy (leaders become rich by stealing from people). This is strongly linked to GLCs, his main researched topic and I wonder if this is unique to Malaysia. Are most state owned enterprises globally are like this? Another example that he stated to prove that nothing changed is the 11th Malaysia Plan (previous BN government plan) which they reviewed during mid term but it remained as it is. Instead, out of blue, Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 was launched in October 2019. According to Terence, the people were not consulted and this is worse than BN who actually had town hall consultation when they drafted 11th Malaysia Plan. Apparently, the prosperity vision was written by one agency, MASA, a think tank owned by BERSATU, headed by Mahathir. I think, now I understand the term Deep State. We are really screwed for sure!
Dr. Terence has been very open on his findings about GLCs. Some articles published, https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/dr-mahathir-still-de-facto-finance-minister-%E2%80%94-ideas ; https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/461767
The take away from their presentation, no need to fear the Needs based Economy as it is the best formula to address the poverty considering poorest state and people are still the Bumiputeras at large. Race based politics failed. Grass-root politics and building movement is our role to bring real change, said comrade Arul in his final remark.
Written by
Letchimi Devi
Anjung Kiri 