Malaysia Must Embrace "New Politics" of Nation-Building, Says DAP's Nga Kor Ming

The country must move away from "toxic and outdated politics" driven by perceptions and sentiments and embrace a new political approach focused on serving the people, said DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming. He said the proposed "new politics" should be inclusive and centred on nation-building, rather than exploiting racial and emotional issues for political mileage.

"We want to ensure a new politics. What is new politics? New politics is politics that builds, not outdated politics that destroys. New politics should be for all races, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun and everyone else. As I always say, we are one family; we are all brothers and sisters," he said when speaking at the Perak DAP's 60th anniversary dinner today.

Nga, who is also Perak DAP chairman, said political parties should focus on serving the people, developing the country and ensuring Malaysia commands respect on the international stage. "Politics should serve the people, build the nation and ensure that Malaysia is admired, respected and welcomed on the world stage. Not outdated politics, playing on perceptions every day, playing on sentiments every day. No need to serve, no need to work, as long as you play on sentiments. That is outdated politics that destroys, and we should push it aside," he said.

A Call for Inclusive Politics

Nga's call for "new politics" reflects a growing recognition among Malaysian political leaders that the country's traditional race-based political framework may no longer serve the needs of a diverse and increasingly urbanized population. The DAP, which has historically championed a Malaysian Malaysia vision that transcends ethnic divisions, has consistently argued for policies that prioritize merit, justice, and equal opportunity over communal considerations.

By invoking the spirit of "one family" and "brothers and sisters," Nga sought to evoke a sense of shared identity and common purpose that transcends the ethnic and religious divides that have long characterized Malaysian politics. His message was particularly significant given the DAP's role within the unity government, which includes parties from across the political spectrum.

Perak's Achievements Under the Unity Government

On Perak's performance under the unity government and Pakatan Harapan administration, Nga said the state had recorded several achievements with the support of the people. He said the state's financial performance was among the indicators demonstrating the difference between the current administration and previous governments.

"Let the facts speak, not fiction. Let the facts speak, not empty rhetoric. This is our report card. Look at Perak. For four years, we have recorded profits, profits and profits; there have been no losses. This is the difference between the Pakatan Harapan government and the previous government."

Nga also highlighted tourism figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), saying Perak recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals last year. He said the state received about 10 million visitors, compared with about four million recorded by Terengganu and Kelantan. "This is the highest figure in history. This means that when a government truly works, serves and dedicates itself to the people, the results can be seen," he said.

The financial and tourism achievements in Perak under the Pakatan Harapan administration serve as a key part of Nga's argument that the "new politics" approach, one focused on service and results rather than rhetoric can deliver tangible benefits to the people.

The DAP's Political Struggle

The housing and local government minister said DAP would continue its political struggle despite the challenges, stressing that the party would not retreat from its commitment to serving the people. "Political struggle in Malaysia is indeed filled with many twists and turns. We have to overcome numerous challenges. But if we are not brave enough to face challenges, we cannot become fighters for the people. That is why, no matter how difficult it may be, DAP will continue to move forward together with all Malaysians," he said.

His remarks reflect the DAP's determination to remain a force for progressive change in Malaysia, even as the party navigates the complexities of being part of a unity government that includes former rivals. The DAP's role in government has required the party to balance its long-held principles with the practicalities of coalition governance, a challenge that Nga acknowledged in his speech.

The Broader Context

Nga's call for "new politics" comes at a time when Malaysia's political landscape is undergoing significant transformation. The 2018 general election marked the first change of government in the country's history, breaking the six-decade rule of the Barisan Nasional coalition. While the political realignment that followed has been tumultuous, it has also opened up space for new ideas and approaches to governance.

The concept of "new politics" has been a recurring theme in Malaysian political discourse, with various leaders and parties proposing different visions of what it entails. For Nga, the key elements are inclusivity, service-oriented governance, and a focus on nation-building rather than divisive identity politics.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimistic tone of his speech, Nga acknowledged the challenges facing the country and the DAP. Malaysia continues to grapple with issues of economic inequality, corruption, and social division, all of which require sustained effort and political will to address.

The rise of identity-based politics in recent years has also posed challenges to the DAP's vision of a more inclusive Malaysia. Populist and ethno-religious movements have gained traction in some parts of the country, testing the DAP's ability to articulate a compelling alternative vision.

A Vision for the Future

Nga's call for "new politics" is a reminder that Malaysia's political evolution is far from complete. The country's ability to move beyond the old frameworks of race and religion and embrace a more inclusive, service-oriented approach to governance will determine its future trajectory.

As Nga noted, "Politics should serve the people, build the nation and ensure that Malaysia is admired, respected and welcomed on the world stage." Whether Malaysia can achieve this vision will depend on the willingness of its political leaders and citizens to embrace a new way of doing politics one that prioritizes nation-building over division, and service over self-interest.