Opposition Mp Moots Shift Towards Centrist Approach In Politics

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Bersatu’s Saifuddin Abdullah says Malaysia’s diverse society offers the opportunity to practise Islamic principles that encourage mutual understanding, cooperation, and mercy to all.Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah urged political parties to adopt multi-ethnic membership and offer policies that are moderate and cross-cultural in nature.PETALING JAYA: An opposition MP has called on all parties to shift towards a centrist approach in politics
Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah said Malaysia’s diverse society offered the opportunity to practise the Islamic principles of lita’arafu (mutual understanding, appreciation, and cooperation) and rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to all creation).
“We must take a centrist approach, or at least move in that direction, and avoid the extremes in political ideology – whether too far left or right.
“We need to strengthen genuine national unity, promote meaningful inclusivity, and eradicate racial discrimination,” he said in a statement in conjunction with National Youth Day.
The Bersatu MP said a more mature democracy required a fresh and dynamic political ecosystem, one that moves away from outdated frameworks rooted in political maneuvering by the elites.
Saifuddin, a former president of the Malaysian Youth Council, also proposed a framework of centripetalism, which encourages cooperation across party lines.
In this model, politicians campaign for votes across ethnic groups, not only within their own, thereby moderating their rhetoric and steering away from divisive and narrow issues.
“There must be incentives for dialogue, including platforms such as town halls, public forums, and consultative councils, where politicians and stakeholders from the government, businesses, and civil society can engage in meaningful discussions and reach a mutual understanding,” Saifuddin added.
He also urged political parties to adopt multi-ethnic membership and offer policies that are moderate and cross-cultural in nature.
Commenting on the celebration of Youth Day, he said the council had played a significant role in Malaysia’s political development, with many federal Cabinet members and state executive councillors emerging from the organisation.
“This makes the council a strong school for politics, especially in nurturing a multi-ethnic and moderate democracy, which is the ideal democratic path for the country,” he said.  FMT

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