Rain and Resilience: How Kelantan’s Monsoons Shape Its Political Landscape
Rain, Resilience and Inclusive Governance
The northeast monsoon, which is expected to hit Kelantan this year, is a significant part of life on the east coast. For the past 34 monsoon cycles, PAS has maintained uninterrupted rule over Kelantan, with Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat becoming the menteri besar in 1990. His leadership style was characterized by a blend of piety, pragmatism, and reformist ideas that modernized PAS’s approach to governance while remaining rooted in Islamic principles. This period saw significant changes in governance that shaped the state’s socio-political landscape.
Rain, Resilience and Reactive Governance
Unfortunately, like the monsoon, the political changes are seasonal. PAS’s governance model under Prophet Muhammad was holistic and inclusive, combining spiritual and temporal leadership to serve all members of society equitably. However, the current implementation of Islamic principles in modern Kelantan reflects a more politicized and localized interpretation, shaped by cultural and political realities. This has led to a lack of inclusivity, no economic foresight, and impractical policy solutions.
Rain, Resilience and the Kelantanese Psyche
For the Kelantanese, the monsoon is more than just a seasonal climate change. It is a reminder of divine power and the transience of worldly affairs. The monsoon becomes a metaphor for spiritual upliftment. The persistence of the same narrative in Kelantan’s governance reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Kelantanese, who embrace the monsoon with a spirit of community and celebration, turning it into an enduring part of their cultural identity.
Predictability Breeds Complacency
Predictability, like the monsoon, leads to complacency and results in repeated cycles of unaddressed social issues and economic stagnation. There is a tendency to maintain the status quo rather than pursue transformative policies. The focus on Islamic governance by PAS may overshadow other critical aspects of an Islamic nation, like economic diversification, social justice, and youth empowerment.
Change is in the Air
From my perspective, in Kota Bharu at least, the more things change, the more they remain the same. However, there are changes after all, and where there is change, there is hope. The monsoon in Kota Bharu is more than just a natural phenomenon – it is a metaphor for the state’s resilience and challenges.
Conclusion
As the rains subside and the waters recede, Kelantan stands at a crossroads. Will it continue to weather its storms with quiet endurance, or will it chart a new course, one that harnesses the lessons of the monsoon to build a stronger, more vibrant future? The choice, like the rain, lies with the people and their leaders.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the monsoon in Kelantan’s political landscape?
A: The monsoon is a significant part of life on the east coast, and its arrival has a profound impact on the state’s socio-political landscape.
Q: How has PAS governed Kelantan over the past 34 monsoon cycles?
A: PAS has maintained uninterrupted rule over Kelantan, with a focus on Islamic governance and a blend of piety, pragmatism, and reformist ideas.
Q: What are the challenges faced by Kelantan’s governance?
A: The governance model is characterized by a lack of inclusivity, no economic foresight, and impractical policy solutions, leading to repeated cycles of unaddressed social issues and economic stagnation.
Q: What is the future of Kelantan’s governance?
A: The choice lies with the people and their leaders – will they continue to weather the storms with quiet endurance, or will they chart a new course, harnessing the lessons of the monsoon to build a stronger, more vibrant future?