'Gov't needs constructive criticism - or risks nation's decline'

Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute chairperson Ramon Navaratnam today called on more Malaysians to offer "constructive criticism" on the challenges facing the country - or risk its further decline as a nation.

Speaking at the launch of his latest book in Kuala Lumpur, Ramon quipped that it was unlikely for the government to arrest all of its critics.

"People seem to fear speaking up. I don't think the government will arrest everyone who speaks up.

"Maybe there is some selective justice, but people can speak up more," he said in stressing on the importance of constructive criticism towards all national policies.

Among others, Ramon cited rejecting extremism, reducing income disparity and combating corruption as topics which must be openly discussed and resolved through constructive public criticisms.

"We need to be able to criticise the government constructively.

"No government can serve its rakyat well without carefully listening to the people and seriously addressing the burning issues of the day – and the future, as well," he stressed.

Ramon's 12th book, titled 'Malaysia's Transformation Challenges - Debating Public Policies', was also launched as part of the 19th Malaysia Strategic Outlook Conference 2017, which was organised by Asli.

"My 12 books, including this book, seek national transformation to clean any rot in the national institutions and administrative systems, to build a better Malaysia for all Malaysians!

"I would agree with the government's view that our socio-economic fundamentals are still quite strong. But I also believe that they are weakening," he said.

Therefore, Ramon expressed hope that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's 30-year transformation plan, also known as TN50, would serve as a uniting force for all Malaysians.

Citing successes of the New Economic Policy launched in 1971, Ramon also noted that some of its implementation were "distorted" and as such created divisiveness instead of unity.

"I hope TN50 will not end that way," he added.- Mkini