Reality is the the hardest thing for BN to face

As 16 September is drawing near, 52 BN backbenchers were sent off to Taiwan for a study tour, and Pakatan Rakyat counteracted by sending four envoys to Taiwan to persuade the MPs to defect to their camp.

This whole thing of wrestling power is like a soap opera. By doing so, Pakatan has obviously played against the rule of the game while triggering political unrest.

Although Pakatan claims that it has enough MPs to hop over to its side, due to this technical problem, the plan of unseating the government may have to be postponed. But one thing we can be sure of: the issue of toppling the current government will still be very much alive after 16 September, and continue to haunt BN for a very long time.

As a political alliance with 140 MPs and one that has effectively ruled the country for 51 years, why has BN been forced into a dead corner by Pakatan? Even though BN could send off its MPs to evade 16 September, it can't do that forever.

Some of the issues BN can never avoid include: Whether it is more democratic and open than Pakatan? Or whether it can brace the challenges of a new era better than its rival? If BN cannot do better than Pakatan, how is it going to ensure the sustenance of its administration?

In view of this, what BN should do is to face the reality and review its policies in a bid to dissolve the current crisis.

BN has gone through a period of turbulence after the March elections. Despite the fact that its leaders have attempted to resolve its various problems, that is still a long way to go from true reforms.

BN must implement total reforms to save itself from disintegration while trying to win back public faith.

BN must implement reforms in its political philosophies, mentality, policies, structure and organisation in order to emerge more vibrant, innovative, and supported by young generation of Malaysians.

Where political philosophies are concerned, BN, in particular UMNO, must make bold decisions on racial politics, or it will pale in the face of Pakatan's non-racist, multicultural political ideals.

Moreover, racial politics has been the root of all the conflicts. BN's various component parties have been fiercely defending the rights of their respective ethnic groups, especially with party elections just around the corner, often resulting in unnecessary friction and tension. In other words, racial politics have serious implications on social harmony.

BN must change its mindset and move towards a more open, liberal and democratic direction. Persistent suppression, lack of effective communication and failure to accept criticisms will only impede its progress.

In addition, BN's structure has also been excessively rigid. Although it has increased the number of meetings among its leaders, the party lacks the ability to adapt to changes whenever a major issue is encountered. It is therefore time for BN to form a thinktank group that will help map out workable strategies for the party while realigning its mindset.

Another thing that needs to be reformed is BN's policies. Generally speaking, UMNO's policies will eventually become BN's. BN can only move ahead if it discards its racist attitude and is ready to absorb new blood regardless of race and religion.

The pressing issue that lies ahead of BN now is to safeguard its administration. If BN loses the administration, it might as well be completely disintegrated.

It is the BN leadership's responsibility to divert the party from the path of destruction.
(By LIM SUE GOAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)