Handover perils

The feudal mindset that typifies UMNO remains embedded very deeply in the leaders who are presently clinging on to the reins of power. This mindset had, in the past, been a source of UMNO's strength and its much-vaunted stability, at least, until 1987.

It is classified as a feudal mindset because there appeared to be a belief that power was vested in the leader. The leader was the embodiment of power. He was bestowed with wisdom and, he was given the implicit trust to annoint his successor. The indolent membership never raised excessive ruckus although there was, like all feudal systems, plots and subplots. But, inevitably, the veneer of legitimation was completed at the close of the General Assembly.

Legitimation

Times change. With greater education comes greater powers of thought and introspection. With greater wealth comes self-confidence and arrrogance. Indolent obedience is supplanted by restiveness and audible voices that question the wisdom of the leaders.

Information that used to be passed in hushed whispers, nuanced talk and surat layang are now freely captured in cyberspace. From cyberspace information can be processed and passed in virtually any medium; print, mobile telephony, facsimile, you name it. Thomas Friedman famously called this phenomenon The World is Flat, meaning a level playing field and equal access to knowledge and information. 

Disempowerment

Given this backdrop, the idea of one leader is anointing another to take over is anathema to the wider base of UMNO members. This act of handover is disempowering to UMNO members. A handover excludes the views and voices of the membership. The issue is legitimation. Will the successor be seen as someone acceptable?

"Shock and awe" as a response to legitimation issues

Judging by UMNO's own history, all is not lost on the successor. Legitimation issues dogged Hussein Onn. It also dogged the initial months of Dr M's leadership. The powers that are vested in an UMNO President and, by extension, Prime Minister, both real and perceived, are enormous. There are dark powers of brute force and, there are entire suites and menu of economic powers and largesse that can be used to win over hearts and minds. 

UMNO's lesser leaders and members have historically demonstrated that in the face of strong leadership they will quickly be cowed into indolence. Stability is restored, alliances put back in place as allegiances are sworn and fiefdoms restored. The same level of indolence will be evident in the wider Malaysian polity. 

Have things significantly changed? Has there been a fundamental shift in mindset since March 8? 

A betting person would not bet against the powers of incumbency. But that should not deter a spiritual and idealistic person from saying a prayer while charging forward for change.