Harapan must do all it can to take Malaysia to the next century

In case those who were not at the "Malaysia: A New Dawn" conference and have the impression that all I did was give a "tongue lashing" on the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, I would like to highlight the contents of my panel as per my written notes which I referred to. I was given 10 minutes to speak.

1) Harapan came in as the government on a new dawn but during a stormy weather and dark threatening clouds. BN had 61 years of sunshine, especially in the first 50 years.

Harapan must ensure that it does what it takes to take Malaysia to the next century - not only from year to year or from one general election to another but beyond generations.

The Harapan manifesto must not shackle the government to address changing situations.

2) Harapan must future proof to be relevant for all times and situations in the context of governance and policies.

It is not so much about a "New Malaysia" as "New Malaysians" who are rejecting abuse of authority, xenophobic mindsets, those who bring up issues of differences in faith, religion, race and ancestry. Who cares where one's grandparents come from?

3) Malaysians want a "people-centric" government and not a "politics-centric" one.

The analogy of a vehicle can be used to describe Malaysia inherited by Harapan.

It was in neutral gear on a slope and sliding backwards. The tyres had no tread, some systems were damaged because they were not maintained and the drivers were incompetent.

The people cannot expect the engine to ignite immediately and accelerate on the word "go".

The damage needs to be evaluated, repairs done and replacements, made on parallel tracks, as continuing the development process.

The stakeholders must participate in nation building such as the government, private sector, NGOs and civil society.

Some proposals put forward:

- Use the consultative approach when new policies and measures are being mooted;

- Be problem-solving, and not creating problems;

- Revamp the entire education system including all aspects that have to do with human resource skills and competencies. Investment should be in the system, not on brick and mortar;

- Revive the "Malaysia Incorporated" philosophy and concept with partnerships between the government and private sector in promoting economic development;

- Revive the Malaysian Business Council with the prime minister as chairperson;

- Eradicate the "chimney" mindset

Malaysia needs to strengthen regional and global integration and assume a leadership role in the region while forging greater domestic resilience in order to face any economic headwinds and regional or global economic contagion.

It is important to dovetail the domestic policies and strategies into the regional and global economic framework.

There is the need to preempt the new economic imperatives, especially in the marketplace and in industrial structures.

There are new developments such as the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), disruption in the industry and marketplace and advancement in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

On this note, congratulations is due to the International Trade and Industry Ministry on the launch of the Industry 4.0 blueprint.

In forging ahead together, no one should go off tangent from the common goals but act together in concert.

There can be criticism but it must be constructive and not driven by politics. It is all about service to the people and nation.

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RAFIDAH AZIZ is the former international trade and industry minister. - Mkini