Will there really be a third force?
Former Pas executive councillor Datuk Hasan Ali believes he is part of a group of like-minded people who can form such a group in national politics
And his discussions with other like-minded people had given him the confidence that a new force is emerging in Malaysian politics. He reckons that the time is now ripe for the formation of a third force, a grouping that can be a power broker as and when necessary.
Ahmad A. Talib, New Straits Times
FORMER Pas executive council member in the Selangor government, Datuk Hasan Ali, has caught the attention of many people in recent weeks. After his fallout with his party, and with the Selangor government, he is now continuing his political struggle outside both platforms.
He now believes he is part of a group of like-minded people who can form what he termed as the third force in national politics. This third force, he said, could be an important power broker should and when the time came.
The former Selangor Pas commissioner prides himself as a motivator, having built his reputation as one in his entrepreneurial days.
Many parents recalled their satisfaction after their children did well in their studies or turned over to become less difficult after attending Hasan’s summer camps and courses.
After his recent sacking by Pas, Hasan is now on his own. He claimed to have been getting a lot of support and sympathy from supporters and observers, including fence sitters.
And his discussions with other like-minded people had given him the confidence that a new force is emerging in Malaysian politics. He reckons that the time is now ripe for the formation of a third force, a grouping that can be a power broker as and when necessary.
Not everyone shares his confidence though. Kelantan born teacher-turned-entrepreneur Mohd Sani, in his late 40s, said a third force would actually split voters even more. He may have a point there.
In a Malay-majority constituency, Malay votes would split three ways. Sani’s argument is that the third force will not necessarily be useful for the Malay community.
Personalities like Wee Choo Keong, Zulkifli Noordin, Datuk Seri Zaharain Hashim may be roped in or are already seen as part of the third force.
A question would then be asked — would the third force be a loose body, or would it be properly structured, as in a properly registered and constituted political party?
Individuals such as those named may have sufficient support to see them through in an election. How many of these individuals are there? And how like-minded are they? One thing is quite obvious — they each have bitter memories of their previous political allies.
At the rate the bad blood is growing spilt between some of these individuals and their past liaisons, it doesn’t look like they will end up throwing their weight behind their old affiliates.
Then again, politics is the art of the impossible. Friends and foes today may turn otherwise, depending on the issues and situations at hand.
In the meantime, Hasan revels in the attention he’s been getting. His banners placed in several locations informing the public of the time and place of his road shows and town hall gatherings have been torn down by his one-time allies.
These individuals have also not signed up with other political parties, preferring to maintain their “independence”. It’s not that difficult to see where their inclinations are, though this cannot be totally relied upon to predict where their support will go come the judgment day.
