I am quite sure pundits and the public alike will agree that defections are never for principle. How many politicians have defected because core beliefs that were at stake? Have you ever heard of an ideological soul of the defector being tortured by the rigid and irrational acts of his former party which led to his defection? Take a look at all those who defected or resigned to be independents. Study their past record, speeches, actions and service record to their constituency.
Honestly, I am bewildered with regards to the absence of decidedly one-dimensional definition of political defection in such circumstances. To me, a claim that one's defection is act of “self-preservation,” can be regarded as plain and simple opportunism.
Currently, it seems that some of the defections/resignations have not been perceived as a big loss to the party in that many view it as a housekeeping exercise to purge the party from dissenters, moles or undesirable characters who had not been enriching the party because they had not been helping to reinvigorate PKR and could have been liabilities if they had remained in the party. The truth is defectors can play havoc with the political system and their defection is nothing but an abuse of the electorate's trust in them as their elected representatives.
We have to recognize that defectors are not innovators. They could be politically savvy but intellectually vacuous individuals who could cause more destruction if they had remained in the party. Any exit by such characters should be viewed as a blessing in disguise.
Instead of viewing it negatively, let us consider the tactical gains that could be generated from it. There could be better quality assemblymen/women amongst those who chose to be loyal to the party. Upon realization of the strong forces working against the party, these MPs could work harder and be more united than before. Also, there could be MORE sympathy votes coming in for PKR/PR in the next election which would be a backlash against unethical defections. I am also certain that leaders would be wiser and more prudent in their selection of candidates for the next GE.
Personally, I hope that the leaders will document an official stand or law against such defections/resignations which cannot be condoned by both sides of the divide. BN MPs must not defect to PR and PR MPs MUST not defect to BN. Anyone who is unhappy should resign as MP and then stand for election again in a by-election as an independent candidate. If the electorate re-elect them, then they have the mandate to serve. If not, then they would have received due and just punishment for the people would have voiced their feelings in a crystal clear manner via the ballot box.
In the light of disturbing trends, political leaders have to lay down the groundwork and build the foundation for this. They should start developing party loyalty based on principles, on core beliefs on those who are seen to be not toeing the line with party policies. They have to grab the bull by its horns and consolidate. They must come face to face with inherent weaknesses and be bold enough to acknowledge these and exorcise them as speedily and effectively as they can.
Right now, many windows of opportunity have been left open. Before any more MPs decide to defect or declare themselves as independents and friendly to whoever, perhaps they should write a 5 000 essay on "Why I Should Put My Country First" and give it to their electorate who voted them into office. I opine that they can only defect if they have the approval and blessing of their electorate and are ready to resign from their seat to be re-elected again in a by-election. If they have no guts to do that, then they might as well leave the political arena and do something else that does not make them accountable to the rakyat!
To defect or not to defect - that is not the question that any elected representative should ask. Instead, they should ask themselves how they can be more effective in their constituency and to their party.
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Do leave a comment if you wish to share your views. I apologise for this delayed post as I had to think through many issues before writing. Thanks for reading. Take care and have a great weekend!
1. Anonymous Defectors are traitors to their avowed cause. How do you trust a person who goes back on his word?
Do you throw good money after bad in any investment? Do you believe that a person who cannot be committed to a cause can be a real leader?
~wits0~