Malaysia needed reformation before, but needs transformation now

Following the announcement of Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Pakatan Harapan's choice of prime minister for the upcoming GE14, we are now hearing the words of wisdom from the Umno leaders, including Sri Gading MP Ab Aziz Kaprawi (photo).

We were expecting brickbats from Umno regarding our decision to nominate Mahathir even though PKR and Anwar Ibrahim had worked hard and long to bring about political change.

But really, this really proves the difference in political maturity between BN and Harapan.

Umno forgets that Harapan is a coalition of parties. Parties such as Amanah (who continue PAS' struggles) and DAP themselves have also worked hard and contributed to the political change championed by PKR.

I understand that Umno is lately in the habit of excluding their partners in BN. Perhaps there is a sense of "kiasu" between Umno and the other component parties, but not in Harapan.

Harapan still has that spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. More than that, the patriotism and love for the nation is equal among us, and precedes all other considerations.

Harapan is crucially aware that the good of all must come before personal interests. Therefore, any personal agenda or personal grudges has been set aside. Consensus is the main thrust of Harapan's struggle.

Besides, in going against the political tide, we have to consider the current situation. Change in the context of 20 years ago required a different approach as compared to change in the present time. The needs of the country then was different from what it is now. Mature politics requires us to look beyond personal wants to the current needs of the nation.

At one time, reformation was urgently needed, and Anwar Ibrahim's protégés were trained to effect this. But the current situation and youths demand a step ahead of reformation - transformation.

The entire government machinery and the nation's path has to be revamped. And the masses of youths who support the struggle of Bersatu and Harapan, also support the transformation agenda led by Mahathir with open minds and a critical mind.

In case, Aziz and Umno don't know, the younger generation is less influenced by personalities, but more attracted to an authoritative figure with professional expertise in politics and government.

Mahathir’s decades of experience leading the government attracts the youths more precisely because there is much to be learned from a statesman such as Tun, even from his past mistakes, so that the transformation is successful.

This is evident from the fact that more than half of Bersatu members are the youths who are intent on bringing about change. What other proof does Aziz need to see that reformation has been achieved and a transformation is pending?- Mkini