Institutionalised Oligarchy : A Threat to Democracy

Oligarchy, a form of administrative structure where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, poses a significant threat to democratic principles. According to Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu, oligarchy refers to a government or organization that involves only a select group of individuals with power. While several countries, such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, practice oligarchic systems of governance, it is essential to recognize the detrimental impact this can have on democracy.

Oligarchy undermines democracy by restricting participation and representation. In Malaysia, although a parliamentary democracy is practiced, elements of oligarchy can be observed within political parties. One notable example is the allocation of parliamentary seats during elections. Often, the same individuals closely connected to the party's higher council, such as their relatives or individuals with vested interests, are chosen as candidates. This practice perpetuates cronyism within the distribution system. Furthermore, these handpicked candidates may not necessarily enjoy the majority support of the party's voters. Consequently, it becomes evident that ordinary citizens, even if they possess greater credibility and public support, are denied the opportunity to represent the party in elections due to their lack of affiliation or political ties with the party's higher echelons. Such a phenomenon seriously undermines democracy in Malaysia.

For a true democracy to thrive, power must be vested in the people from the grassroots level upwards. A prime example of this can be seen in the United States, where a system known as the Primary Election allows party members to democratically choose their preferred candidates. This system ensures that democracy is practiced at the party level, as anyone who believes they can represent the party can compete in the election. The voters within the party then have the opportunity to determine their preferred candidates. This process demonstrates the essence of democracy, where the voice and opinions of the people are prioritized over the practice of cronyism, which is undoubtedly a destroyer of democratic values.

To preserve democracy, it is crucial to combat oligarchy's encroachment and foster a system that upholds democratic principles. Malaysia can learn from the Primary Election system employed in the United States, empowering its citizens to actively participate in the political process. By allowing fair and open competition within political parties, where candidates are chosen based on their merit and the support they garner, the nation can move closer to a truly democratic society. Ultimately, the strength of a democracy lies in the inclusivity and representation it offers, ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a privileged few, but is distributed among the people it seeks to serve. Reflecting upon my past, I was taken aback to discover that I had written these words. Even more challenging is trying to recollect the exact motive behind this composition. However, I am certain that it must have been prompted by the incessant political turmoil that plagued Malaysia in April 2021, coinciding with the time of my initial writing. During that period, I found myself at one of my lowest points, a state that seems to have become a recurring pattern in my life. Interestingly, I have noticed that my inclination towards writing grows in direct proportion to the inner void and desolation that engulfs my mind and spirit.