Najib has got the message from the Chinese right: But does he have the political COURAGE to act?

I believe that Chinese voters have pondered which camp to support in the next general election and the Prime Minister's speech can be used as a reference.

When delivering a speech at the MCA annual general assembly, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that he was aware of the four key concerns of the Chinese, namely the economy, just and inclusive administration, good governance and education.

Najib has got the message right. However, the four areas are actually directing to two important things, namely fair policy and good government. A good policy means all racial groups can enjoy fair education and economic opportunities, while a good government will justly and inclusively govern and lead the people to make the country strong and prosperous.

Plans that do not have impact

Although Najib has implemented many transformation plans while transformation centres have also been set up in urban and rural areas, the policy remains unchanged, resulting in frequent unfairness.

For example, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) enrolled 25.8% of Chinese students in 2008 and the rate gradually dropped to only 9% this year. Such a deviation will not exist if the enrollment approach is just and inclusive.

The preliminary report of the Malaysia Education Blueprint does not reflect the education diversity characteristic while excessively stressing on the teaching of Bahasa Malaysia and English languages. It would bring impacts to Chinese primary schools. If it is just and inclusive, the blueprint should have removed the single-stream education mindset and institutionalise mother-tongue education.

Seven Chinese groups had submitted a memorandum to demand for justice. A just policy is also the key to promote unity. If the government keeps strengthening only National schools and gradually "Islamise" the schools' administration while the numbers of Chinese and Indian students are gradually decreasing, how are we going to achieve cross-racial communication and understanding?

The recent controversy over the approval letter for the Kuantan Chinese independent school is also a result of the policy. If the government gives its recognition to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), the approval letter would not be so confusing. Putting words in black and white is always stronger than verbal assuarance, including the amendment of law.

Since more and more international schools are allowed to set up here, why is it so difficult to have more Chinese independent schools? The crux of the problem lies on the policy.

Brain drain & fair space

Only a just policy can retain talents. According to a World Bank report, Malaysia is facing a serious brain drain. As of 2010, one million of Malaysians have emigrated overseas, of which 57%, mainly Chinese, have settled in Singapore.

Just like other races, the Chinese are not afraid of competition as long as there is a fair space allowing them to develop their talents.

It is also very important to have a good government. Good policy makers will manage the country properly, strike a balance between software and hardware building, ensure that the people's souls are healthy, eradicate corruption, improve law and order and pay attention to environmental protection, so that the people can enjoy their lives.

A good government will carefully and wisely manage finances and improve the people's income through a thriving economy, instead of distributing money and implementing populism, leaving the bill to be paid by the next generation.

In the chaotic era of a crumbling global economy and confused values, a good government is needed to lead the people out of the rapids. Incompetence governments have brought heavy debt burdens to many countries, causing the people to suffer.

Has the "1Malaysia" concept achieved its goal of justice? If most of the Chinese community members are still thinking that only the coexistence of two equally powerful camps can bring a fair and good governance, the alternative coalition will continue to receive support.

The way to fight for Chinese votes has been very clear and it now depends on whether BN leaders are having the required political courage.

-Sin Chew Daily