It is time for politicians from both sides of the divide and civil society to put aside their differences and come together to address the plight of the people, says activist Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
She said Malaysians were worried as issues of the economy and livelihood as well as worsening racial relations continued to plague the country.
"I am suggesting that we hit a pause button in Malaysia. I am asking that we close ranks and set aside differences.
"I am issuing a plea to all those in power. This is our time and we have to consider the plight of the people," she said in Kuala Lumpur today.
Ambiga was speaking at a forum in commemoration of the contributions of Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman as well as national laureate A. Samad Said.
Ambiga said Samad, who was a former co-chair of electoral reforms group Bersih, was a great patriot of the country, a Malaysian "to the core".
"They are people we love and respect. One not only for the man he was but for the statesman that he was as well.
"The other, not only for the man that he was but also for the hero that he has become," she said, referring to the Tunku and Samad respectively.
S. Ambiga
"Their beliefs were that of unity, harmony and happiness for Malaysia."
The patron of Negara-Ku said for the two statesmen, there was no question that the nation would only progress if it was built on strong principles of democracy and good governance.
"As a lawyer, Tunku fully appreciated the process by which the constitution was written. He understood the importance of separation of power and an independent judiciary," she said.
But the nation deviated along the way, she said, adding that the country now faced many challenges including violations of constitutional rights and the institutions.
"Once these became vulnerable, whether in abuse of power or corruption, the destructive path was set.
"The economy is cause for concern, the ringgit continues to slide, oil prices are falling, 1MDB is fragile, GST (goods and services tax) is coming, households debts are rising and people are really worried," she said.
Ambiga observed that during the recent floods and the MH370 and MH17 crises, Malaysians including ministers, politicians and volunteers had come together to help one another.
"This shows that we can rise to the occasion in a crisis. That we can put aside our differences for the greater good.
"The floods have shown that we have it in us to overcome obstacles," she added.
Ambiga also urged Putrajaya, the opposition and civil society to deal with four urgent issues: the flood and deforestation, the dwindling economy, racial and religious harmony, and dengue.
"These are our immediate concerns. There are more but they should look into these first," she added.
Kit Siang
She also urged Putrajaya to ensure freedom of the press, and called for moratoriums on coming up with laws that curb freedom of speech and expression, on action against voices of dissent and on the GST.
"I am not making demands here. I am issuing a plea to all who are in a position to consider these suggestions and implement them.
"I say this to the opposition, the government and the NGOs, that if you open your minds to this, you will be demonstrating not leadership but statesmanship.
"You will be giving people hope. You will be lifting people out of the melancholy that invades all our conversations about the future of Malaysia," she added.
Speaking to reporters later, Ambiga said the people have to insist that those in power come together for the nation.
Veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, who was also present at the forum, said that this will be discussed by Pakatan Rakyat at its leadership council meeting tomorrow "if it comes to that level" but declined to elaborate.
"We must agree before we can go one step further. Ask me tomorrow," he said when pressed further. – TMI
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