The politics of magnanimity

Unlike in early post colonial times, the two dominant political parties on both sides of the divide are apparently into exchanges of magnanimity. One invites the other to join hands in what each calls "in the interest of national development".

This time it is UNP's Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe inviting the PA into such endeavour, even promising Kumaratunga some high profile designation should he be voted in - seen by many as a 'good move'. The PA too did very much the same - the difference being no such offer coming Wickremesinghe's way.

Given the recent interest in such benevolent offering - mutual of course - one begins to wonder why this sudden 'gusto' of 'generosity' on both sides. The practical working difficulties that both these Sinhala dominated parties have now realized is how difficult a task it is to form a working Government devoid of minority assistance.

Minority bargaining power, significantly an outcome of J.R's '78 constitution, while calling for a 'handle with care' situation of minorities by the majority Sinhala parties, assuredly is into a greater need for the Sinhalese themselves to form a power nucleus - shedding whatever divisive forces coming their way - of caste, creed, social status and political colouring.

Come to think of it, it could even be more the minority bargaining power urging Sinhala unity for the sake of power consolidation rather than even Prabhakaran and his team's confrontation of the Sinhalese.

Interestingly, Ramazan - the much celebrated Muslim fast precedes Presidential fray and on both sides of the political spectrum one finds this once 'Catspaw Community' being invited to breaking fast.

At one such recent rendezvous at the official residence of a well placed politico, notably gazelles, Qirath and all kinds of other Islamic recitations were heard with a politico's wife even adorning a Muslim head gear while dressed in Kandyan saree - which move warrants multifaceted interpretations.

Whatever be the motive, one could walk away thinking it to be at least, even though late, a seemingly compelling interest into greater minority tolerance, accommodation and national integration. She even quite rightly spoke of such an attempt if started fifty years back could have averted much of the present quagmire.

The writer was even reminded of that Christian club - the European Union green lighting Muslim Turkey's entry into its fold.

Getting back to the Sri Lankan scene, Muslims worldwide cannot forget the PA's stand in openly condemning America's brute force on Iraq over which the UNP developed more than one hiccup. Kumaratunga's open opposition of the US invasion at some past UN assembly even risking her own political interests needs commendation.

Also to be congratulated is Wickremesinghe who plunged into that famous or infamous MOU with the LTTE. While one was brazenly critical of international might remained arms tied at home over P-Toms, the other bulldozed over majority political aspiration with the MOU signing but ran into preferred reservation over American hegemony.

As a run up to the local Presidential poll Mahinda Rajapakse has signed an MOU with the JVP. This could dissociate him from whatever minority friendly sentiments he expresses. Right now he is very much up the Muslim street though Wickremesinghe may score over Rajapakse in what is seen as minority fair play particularly now when he has promised Muslim participation in future peace deliberations.

What cannot be overlooked is the UNP's high degree of corruption. Some loud-mouthed, oppressive UNPers have been more into 'self good' than public good - their 'humble dwellings' being an indicator.

The PA certainly is on a better wicket here for mitigated corruption - not of their own volition but arising out of a compelling political environment. A mutual dog watching stance on the part of both the JVP and SLFP brought in whatever moral compulsion - indicating the immense good in certain respects coming off coalitions. However in a well knit united UNP the climate is most conducive for soaring corruption levels.

Seemingly the importance given to what is local is somewhat more closer to PA's heart than the UNP and so the public are assured of a 'no total sell out' of what is indigenous though PA's history records a deviation in a few instances. Comparatively the UNP is on high speed track over local asset sales. In fact coconut growers expressing their grievances recently to Wickremesinghe were bowled out when he allegedly asked them to forget all about coconut and concentrate on palm oil.

While, mutual offering of shared government is a 'generous' gesture hitherto unknown exists with both political parties, they are not devoid of mutual retaliation as well. Magnanimity and retaliation now becoming increasingly common to both. For instance, the PA's 2000 Draft Constitution was reduced to ashes in the country's legislature.

By and large Wickremesinghe needs more than accolades for ushering in at least a temporary peace which no other could - the many military infernoes that failed to bring even what is called temporary peace.

However, this will cease to be a plus point for the UNP as long as its leadership will not act fast and hard on those belligerent and avaricious few party men hell bent on pocket fattening.