It is time we ask what the country can do for us – T K Chua

I grew up in a generation that was very much associated with John F Kennedy’s call to his citizens to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.  More than half a century has passed since that call, but I think many could still resonate affectionately to that ideal.

But today I want to be “unreasonable” and “defiant”.  I want to ask what Malaysia (read the government) can do for us, the ordinary Malaysians.

We ordinary Malaysians have done much for the country. We are hardworking, enterprising, law abiding (in fact, quite docile actually) and pay our taxes. We live frugally, save up, educate our children, and bring in foreign exchange earnings. We open up new grow areas, build new factories and township and generate more income and wealth. We do charity whenever we can. We never hesitate to help when disasters or calamities strike. We support and participate in programmes initiated by the government to the extent we can. We play by the rule.

These are what we have done for the country. Now it is the turn of our government to do its part. What can the government do for us?

First, I want the government to provide us leadership – yes, true leadership, not incompetent, “silent” and autocratic leadership. We want leaders with vision for public duties and services, not leaders whose preoccupation is to form government-linked companies and sign another procurement contract or MOU. We want leaders who we can revere, not feared; love, not loathed; and cooperate, not compelled. Have we had one such leader lately?  Is there one leader in Putrajaya who is like Joseph, the premier of Egypt during Pharaoh’s era (since many of our politicians are so “pious and religious”, I thought this example is most appropriate)?  We demand that leaders spend more time and efforts administering, less on matters concerning afterlife.

Second, I want this country to provide us security and protection from crimes and harms. Citizens of this country have no right to bear arms. We therefore demand that the Police do their job. Control, investigate and prosecute all crimes committed quickly and professionally now. Malaysians do not deserve to live under constant fear of robberies, burglaries, snatch thefts, rapes and threats of rape and murders.

Third, we demand that the government manages and protects our livelihood. We want the government to protect our savings by managing inflation and the value of our ringgit responsibly. We demand that the value of our compulsory savings in EPF is preserved when we retire ten, twenty or thirty years down the road. Otherwise EPF contribution is another form of “taxation” on our income. We demand that our quality of life is maintained through sustained preservation of ringgit value. We demand that the government rips apart monopolies, dismantles crony capitalism and provides level playing field for all.  We demand that actions be taken now, not mere promises and words.

Fourth, we demand that the government contains our fractious race relations and deals with religious extremism sternly and quickly. There is no need for posturing and pretending. The authorities should know who the real culprits and instigators are. There should be no double standards and condemnation. We demand that this country be administered fairly and justly and without fear and favour. We accept there are issues which are sensitive. But we demand that we are given the democratic space to discuss at least the implementation of these issues without harassment and interference. We must allow contest of ideas. Otherwise it is dogmatism and authoritarianism which will eventually lead this country to oblivion.

Fifth, we want the government to concentrate on the business of government. Please, it is not the business of government to be involved in beef supply, property development, buying and operating hotels and restaurants all over the world, buying and selling energy assets or be hedge fund manager putting money in offshore banks.  All these, the private sector can do better. We demand that the government gives us good governance, provides us with competitive schools, efficiently run hospitals, public transport and an environment that is clean and sustainable. We demand that the government manage our water resources and our habitat with care and utmost urgency.

Sixth, we demand persistent and consistent enforcement of laws, rules and regulations for the good of the majority.  Good laws without firm and fair application will not make good society. Just look at violations at our roads and highways, illegal and haphazard parking (now even along main roads), haphazard house renovations, uncollected rubbish, clogged drains, filthy eateries, pests and stray dogs and cats running around and illegal hawking and littering. Just look at the number of illegal immigrants in the country and their pervasive impact on our society. We have the most bloated civil service in the world and yet the usual excuse was lack of manpower when come to lackadaisical enforcement. No, it is not due to lack of manpower and resources. Enforcement agencies ought to know the real reasons why they are ineffective and productive.  We demand that they buck up and fix it now.

May be I have more but it is enough for now.

*T K Chua reads The Malaysian Insider.