Act fast to implement reforms

Multiracialism is the way foward

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s advice to Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives is very clear - Stay clear of racist remarks, don’t be corrupt or arrogant and serve the people well.Pak Lah must make sure that he means business by ensuring all his men heed his advice and implement what he says.

Despite calls for him to step down immediately Abdullah has shown that he is willing to fight to stay on to complete his mission of democratization before he steps down as Prime Minister. His assurance that he is willing to hand over power to his deputy, only after he sorts out the chaos in his party should be appreciated by all. It would be wrong and irresponsible of him to push over the problems of his doing to his deputy like the way the problems of his predecessor were thrust onto his shoulders which he is still unable to undo.

The losses at the recent elections have humbled the Prime Minister into accepting the blame for those losses. His admission that the public perception of BN today as ‘a party that is arrogant and corrupt’ is a sign of that humility which should be an example for all politicians. Unfortunately the election losses haven’t had much effect on many of his party members and stalwarts who are still not willing to accept the people’s verdict. They are bent on changing the leader instead of actively striving to introduce the much needed reforms in the party and government as demanded by the people.

Now that he has said he wants to defend his post as Umno president,he should be allowed to do so and not forced to step down now by any quarters for their own interests. Anybody wanting to challenge him should be allowed to do so in accordance with the party rules. It is only right that the party members be allowed to elect their president at its Annual General Assembly in December. That is what democracy is all about.

Abdullah must be commended for not resorting to the race card to gain support despite the mounting pressure from various quarters to step down. Instead even at this time of severe crisis, he has called on his wakil rakyats to refrain from racist remarks and work for all regardless of race.

The race-based politics of the BN, where each communal party only champions the interests of its own race, was a cause of their dismal performance as the people were sick and tired of such communal line of politicking which did not promise a bright future for anyone community. On the contrary it was only deepening the inter-ethnic conflict. On the other hand Pakatan Rakyat’s multiracial approach seemed to have greater appeal to the people and so the vote for change.

This change in the attitude of the people is a very encouraging sign that augurs well for our multi-racial and multi-religious nation. The BN and Pakatan Rakyat should capitalize on this favourable environment that currently prevails among the people to forge an era of multi-racial politics. They should not let this opportunity to elude them for selfish political reasons.

Umno should give Abdullah some time so that the democratization process that he had allowed to take place, consciously or otherwise, will be more secure before he steps down. He should seriously consider transforming the BN into multiracial party whose leaders should be able to effectively serve not just his community but others as well and whose members will not be identified by his race or religion but his loyalty, patriotism and contribution to the country and the people.

While waiting for the peaceful transfer of power, Pak Lah should be serious and waste no time in implementing the badly needed reforms for better governance. These include:

1. Restoring judicial integrity and independence - establishing a judicial commission

2. The fight against corruption at all levels

3. Promoting greater accountability and transparency in all government dealings

4. Release all ISA detainees and repeal the all other repressive laws

5. Allow more freedom of expression and move towards a more liberal media.

6. Adopt a friendlier attitude towards states under the Pakatan Rakyat

7. Encouraging more genuine racial and religious integration

8. Establishing a fairer socio-economic system for all Malaysians.

9. Revamping the education system to make national schools more appealing to all races.

10. Ensuring a non-partisan civil service and police force

These reforms may not bear fruits immediately but at least the people must see the genuine signs that they are being implemented. This is a vital challenge for Pak Lah which he cannot afford to lose. The clock is ticking and he does not have much time. If he can succeed in this mission before his retirement, not only will he be able to win back the hearts of the people and retire in grace but he will go down in history as the Father of Democracy.

Dr.Chris Anthony