Non-aligned pressure group needed for change

A mere switch in political guards insufficient to bring about good governance, says Penang-based Malaysian Election Observers Network

GEORGE TOWN: Only a strong independent grassroots movement can bring about the much desired change to the country’s political landscape, said an observer here today.

Malaysian Election Observers Network (Meonet) national coordinator Ong Boon Keong said a mere changing of guards in Putrajaya was insufficient to trigger the much desired change.

“People must get together and form a united grassroots movement to provide the check and balance, and drive on the changes in political governance,” said Ong.

Past and current history, he said, have shown that only a popular but cohesive people’s movement can prompt a change for a nation’s betterment.

He warned that mere changes in form, not in substance, would not necessarily elicit the push needed for good governance that the majority of Malaysians wanted.

“Political governance cannot be determined by mere elections and change in voting trends. We may change the operators but not the style of governance,” said Ong.

He said Malaysians desired a complete overhaul of the current system of governance by the Umno-led Barisan Nasional federal government.

“They are yearning for true democracy, justice, rule of law, equality, fairness, elimination of all forms of discrimination and marginalisation, and an independent judiciary.

“The question now is whether the current parliamentary opposition pact (Pakatan Rakyat) will effect such changes if it comes to power on popular votes,” he said.

People must take charge

Ong felt that this may not happen because “political parties would only be keen to protect and enhance their own interests.”

Thus, he said people would have to ultimately take charge and become a non-aligned pressure group to force changes to bring about good governance, be it under BN or Pakatan.

In many countries, he said strong social movements have triggered various changes under different governments.

“People’s movement must be independent from political parties. They can vote out the current government, but they must always be wary on whether its replacement is up to mark.

“The people must always keep the government on its toes to fulfill popular aspirations and demands,” said Ong. - FMT