We the majority fully support G25's stand on GE14

As a former senior civil servant, a secretary-general, and thus like all members of the G25, I humbly congratulate my former colleagues warmly, for their excellent letter that is published in The Star today (and in the general media), entitled "Current reality in Malaysian Politics".

I sincerely believe that the deep patriotic and nationalistic sentiments expressed in the G25’s timely message, have the full support of most former and current civil servants, the armed forces and the police, other uniformed services and members of the whole the public service, like teachers and all those civil servants under the big Cuepacs umbrella.

Indeed the vast majority of the 1.6 million public servants, including especially the veterans called the Patriots, will surely fully support the brave G25's stand and message.

What are the G25's stand and message?

Firstly, the G25 -

1. Appeals to all eligible voters to come in full force to vote

This clarion call is particularly pertinent, as we Malaysian citizens, have a great opportunity to exercise our sacred duty to vote wisely, instead of, as some plan to do - to irresponsibly waste or spoil their precious votes. Too many Malaysians also just grumble and won’t vote, but please do so and feel better.

2. Requests employers to liberally grant leave to their employees to vote

This is essential, as the Election Commission has made it somewhat difficult for voters, by not having election day on a Saturday, to help the outstation voters to cast their votes. The business sector must also realise that they can only prosper, if there is an able government with good governance. So please make sure that we all get the best government - that is honest and efficient and compassionate, to all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.

3. Urges the EC to be free and fair in conducting the GE14

Already the EC has created some public doubts with their latest redelineation exercise, alleged malapportionment of votes, the unfair choice of Wednesday for election day and not being able to reduce or erase some public concerns of possible malpractices on polling day.

As the G25 has well cautioned, the welcome presence of international and local observers will watch with eagle eyes, all the happenings at the polling stations and hopefully inside the EC itself.

So let’s work hard for legitimate election results, to bring forth and to be able later, to justify a legitimately elected government, that we can all be proud of, please.

The G25 has already mentioned the need, "to restore confidence in the future of the country as a stable and mature democracy". Hence, there are implicit doubts that have to be overcome by the rule of law and legitimacy. The question is - Will G14 be able to restore this confidence or not?

4. Pushes all political parties to avoid 'exploiting the issues of race and religion'

Any candidate who stoops so low to use racial and religious sensitivities for their parochial political gain, should, in fact, be rejected by the voters. That will teach irresponsible politicians and candidates, a good lesson and enable us to show that Malaysians are now much more mature than before. We all, and especially the youth, have a special role to do good in this matter.

5. The 'G25 calls upon MACC and the police to ensure that all candidates obey the law in their campaigns'

This is vital, as any disrespect for the law can lead to lawlessness and even some instability, which can be serious for the social sustainability and unity in our beloved country.

As an honorary commissioner of the MACC, I would stress the need for the MACC to effectively combat and control money politics. This alone could corrupt the whole election process and distort and destroy the whole foundation of our electoral system.

The MACC and police must be much more determined to fight money politics and any corruption or bad practices in the elections.

Conclusion

This GE14 provides the best historical opportunity that we have had so far, to strengthen the growth and development of a more meaningful two-party electoral system, that is less race and religious based.

There should, therefore, be more national socio-economic and political structural issues, to debate and discuss during the election campaigning. We have to enable and ensure that the best candidates are elected to serve our people fairly and justly and on a sustainable basis.

We all hope and pray that we will all strive to fulfil the amanah that the almighty god, has blessed us all with, to do our duty to fully support the G25's stand and message, to serve god, king, country and our Malaysian society, to the best of our abilities.

May the best candidates and political parties and promises prevail - and god bless Malaysia!

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RAMON NAVARATNAM is chairperson of the Asli Centre for Public Policy Studies. - Mkini