Dear PM, it's time to stand up again for the good of the nation

Dear Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,

This note is not being written out of boredom sitting at home and complying with the movement control order nor that we have run out of issues or subjects to address.

We thought that we should allow you and your government to settle down before starting the occasional “Dear Prime Minister” series which started about 20 years in the “Citizen Nades” column in The Sun. The occasional column has continued in Malaysiakini where the writer is continuing as a contributor.

Since the Sheraton affair at the end of February, you became the head honcho, rightly or wrongly, of this beloved nation. The turn of events over the past seven weeks have been so momentous that many right-thinking Malaysians are beginning to wonder if you will fulfil the promise you gave as a solemn undertaking on taking office on March 2 where you declared that: “I am a prime minister for all Malaysians.”

The first signs appeared two weeks later when the menteri besar and chief ministers from opposition-controlled states were left out of a meeting to discuss matters related to the coronavirus pandemic. Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali (photo, below) took the rap and apologised, but the damage had already been done.

Since then, there have been so many errors and omissions by your cabinet colleagues, party members, coalition partners and their leaders. Citizens are beginning to ask if you are really in charge or that there are forces – visible or otherwise – operating the joystick.

If the gaffes of your ministers can be dismissed as “early day blues”, the same cannot be said of the subsequent announcements demands that have come to the fore.

It must be acknowledged that you head the weakest government since we gained independence 63 years ago. We know that you need every conceivable support from every nook and corner, but this does not mean having to forsake values.

We understand the need to appease the warlords from the various parties which in turn will consolidate your position, lest you get swallowed by a party with a bigger number of seats in Parliament or individuals with lofty ambitions.

But you possibly can’t go wrong if you had observed the cornerstone of good governance – transparency and accountability – from the very start of your term. Throw in meritocracy, integrity and honesty and the results may have made you come out smelling like a bunch of roses.

Unthought of and arbitrary decisions are the last things that should be shoved down the throats of the rakyat.

We are aware that the shylocks are demanding for their pound of flesh, the holy men are beginning to anticipate materialistic gain while the small-fry bystanders are eagerly awaiting the crumbs to be thrown at them.

Each time we watch you on TV, we can notice the stress, strain and pressure on your face. Yes, heavy is the head that wears the crown, but you have inherited an extra burden with each horse veering to its own ambitious destination.

Whose bird-brained idea was it to put members of parliament (MPs) and party stalwarts as heads of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government agencies? Was this debated, argued and justified by the cabinet or was it an issue of “you scratch my back, I scratch mine”? Or were you forced to agree?

The claim made by the de facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan  (photo) that “MPs are qualified” holds no water in the Malaysian context. Haven’t we learnt from mistakes made in taking such a nonsensical approach?

Without wanting to be accused of contempt or sub judice, allow us to touch on the evidence adduced in the on-going trials of three of them. These will suffice. From what we have read, hotels were purchased at highly-inflated prices and kickbacks were received from investing the people’s money in shares.

The damage that has been done is humongous, and the only lesson the taxpayer has learnt is the art of enriching oneself and doing business the “Malaysian way”.

Let it be stated that the rakyat will have no problems accepting your proposals on appointing your friends or the choice of other parties provided they have the necessary prerequisites – appointments made on merit. Not all the incumbents were ineffectual or bungling idiots who had attempted to put their hands in the cashbox. So, why the change?

Huge and heavy baggage

Sir, you have been in the cabinet for a long, long time. You have headed so many ministries, and your experience is impressive and the knowledge from dealing with people from all walks of life would make you the right man to make the right decisions.

So, the phrase “fit and proper person test” would not be alien to you. Why isn’t this simple test being carried out? We would be able to get the crème de la crème of our talent.

Initially, we were reluctant in wanting to venture into saying this. Knowing our “business culture”, cronies will be lining up for contracts. Of course, they would charge a hefty fee and demand for the spoils to be shared.

However, you have faltered, remained silent as incompetent and unqualified people have been allowed to occupy the hot seats, and you gave in to some ridiculous demands.

Almost daily, near demands come to the fore. We are told that a group in Sabah has made demands for posts in federal statutory bodies and a senatorship for an ex-minister who was defeated in the last hustings. But the credentials of some are far from acceptable. Each is carrying baggage – real huge and heavy ones.

Elsewhere, a kleptocrat is beating the war drums with snide remarks and his expectations of getting away with charges of felony. Instead of ignoring and containing the baloney, he gets your ear too.

'Truth deficiency syndrome'

Mr Prime Minister, this country is going back to bad old days of governance which you abhorred. You were unceremoniously removed for your bold stand against everything that was wrong. The people applauded you and supported you for your principled stand of foregoing all the power and perks that came as the country’s no 2.

You didn’t walk away like a coward and sell your conscience. You stood your ground and said your piece and they were compelled to get rid of you.

What has since gone wrong? What has made you change? You wouldn’t want to admit it but many feel that you are being held to ransom by some opportunistic political groups with their own agenda.

If you stand up to these unprincipled guys, the rakyat will rise again in your support for a clean, honest and trustworthy government.

As you are aware, the nation is suffering from effects of the coronavirus but what is more contagious is a disease called the “truth deficiency syndrome” which brought the Barisan Nasional government almost two years ago. With the change in May 2018, it was contained but whatever traces remaining are imploding without control.

Are you going to contain this disorder by standing up, speaking up and making the right decisions? Or are you going to allow this government to operate on autopilot or remote control until there is no time to retreat?

The choice is yours.

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R NADESWARAN sees the need for bold and affirmative action to steer this country back to where it rightfully belongs. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com. - Mkini