Why does Bersama seem unwilling to address the Zahid Hamidi corruption case?

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Bersama's Apparent Reluctance to Address the Zahid Hamidi Corruption Case

Bersama, a political party associated with Rafizi Ramli, appears unwilling to address the corruption case involving Zahid Hamidi. This stance is seen as a significant impediment to the party's ability to gain traction and present itself as a distinct political alternative. The party's leaders, including Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, are suggested to have been complicit in past political compromises, which, if not acknowledged, prevents Bersama from establishing a strong moral foundation.
Past Complicity and Unwillingness to Acknowledge

The core of the issue lies in Bersama's perceived reluctance to confront the political compromises made by its leaders during their time in PKR. The article implies that Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad were involved in such compromises, which may have included decisions or tacit agreements concerning figures like Zahid Hamidi. Without the "fortitude to admit its leaders' complicity in political compromises, shockingly unethical," Bersama struggles to position itself as a party with a distinct, high moral ground. This failure to acknowledge past actions is presented as a barrier to its "surge in the present."
The "High Moral Horse" Dilemma

Bersama is critiqued for not being able to "mount the high moral horse" due to this lack of contrition. The expectation is that new political entities, especially those positioning themselves as a "different choice," should cleanse themselves of past roles through remorse. Instead of embracing a "kamikaze ethos" of bold action and transparency, the party is seen as acting cautiously, perhaps to avoid alienating potential supporters or to maintain existing political alliances. This hesitancy is highlighted by the observation that they are "not in PKR anymore, so why act like they are?"
Failure to Offer Substantive Differences

The unwillingness to address the Zahid Hamidi case is emblematic of a broader criticism that Bersama is not offering substantive differences from established parties like Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), or Perikatan Nasional (PN). While BN is happy that Zahid Hamidi is not completing his defence in the Akal Budi case, and PN and PH leaders are also implicated in various ways, Bersama's silence on this specific issue suggests a similar approach to avoiding risky political positions. This lack of a clear stance on a prominent corruption case leads to Bersama being perceived as a less distinct option, potentially ensuring that incumbency or established parties will continue to win.
Missed Opportunity for a Unique Political Identity

The article suggests that Bersama has a missed opportunity to forge a unique political identity by not embracing its independence from past affiliations. Instead of merely being "a better version of PKR," the party could "become a better version of themselves and offer examples to their people to a philosophical core of their movement." This would involve writing its own political "song" rather than mimicking older parties, which includes addressing difficult issues like corruption cases involving prominent political figures. The delay in articulating core principles and introducing candidates early is also seen as a strategic misstep for a new party seeking to establish itself.

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Why does Bersama seem unwilling to address the Zahid Hamidi corruption case?

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