Change, what change? – T.K. Chua

Kadir Jasin talked about the need to kick out Najib to save Umno. Salleh Said Keruak said it was not solely Najib’s fault. It was Umno’s fault; Umno must change. 

Many politicians in Umno, past and present, talked about the need to change. Politicians in Pakatan Rakyat also talked about it all the time. But then, do our politicians really know what changes are needed for this country? Do they really know what the majority of Malaysians are yearning for?

Change could be a dangerous thing if we are not careful.  When some politicians talk about change, they actually want more money for themselves, more racism, more bigotry, more senseless shopping, more extremism and more dictatorial power. Have we not seen some of the changes that have made a country worse?

So, when we want Malaysia changed, do we know what we looking for? What if we disagree with what we want? What if the differences are too wide among us? How do we reconcile our disagreement and differences so that this country can move forward as one nation?

First, do we still believe in democracy and majority rule?  Do we still adhere to the principle of government of the people, for the people and by the people? Do you feel that there are institutions and forces other than elected ones calling shot and dictating how this country should be governed? Do we find parallelism and dualism in our system of government now? How do we deal with issues like these?

Second, do we want a government that talks about god and invoke divinity all the time or do we prefer a government that is secular but professional and intelligent? Right now, I think we are neither here nor there. It is best that politicians settle this in their change agenda. All politicians must openly declare which side they are on.

Third, are we a welfare state or are we a country based on work and ingenuity? Can we be a great country if the majority of its citizens are depending on BR1M and other welfare payments? Have we extended our welfare and assistant programmes to a ridiculous and absurd level?

Fourth, do we want centralisation or decentralisation in our system of government? Again we must make choices in an environment that is rapidly changing. Politicians must explain why one is preferred over the other, not just to gain popular support from Sabah and Sarawak. To me, the states within Peninsula Malaysia are also in dire need for empowerment and decentralisation.

Fifth, do we want an economy based on competition and free market or do we still prefer the government playing its nanny role, controlling and regulating everything from prices, imports, granting of monopolies, subsidies to licences and permits? Does the government really know better than the market? Do control and regulations indeed make our economy better and our life more pleasant? Politicians, please think and cite empirical evidence on this.

Sixth, what exactly do we want with our education? Another Blue Print has come and gone and we are no wiser. Technically, we have already privatised tertiary education to a great extent. Why not we do the same for education at primary and secondary levels since the government is so helpless. Just provide the tax breaks to the parents and let them decide how and where they want to educate their children. I am sure the manpower needs of this country will be better served. 

In fact, if we want to talk about the virtue of privatisation, may be it is time to privatise our primary and secondary schools. Let them earn their own upkeep and I am sure we will see their quality and standard improved. Alternatively, can we decentralise education, let the respective state governments take charge of education? 

Politicians, please just think about all these when you talk about the need to change.

* T.K. Chua is a reader of The Malaysian Insider.