100 years more! Long live politicians!

 

From Adnan D

We must pray that politicians, no matter how old, live for an extra 100 years or more. I am dead serious. We must all pray, and organise prayer rallies, to make sure they all stay healthy… mentally, emotionally and physically.

They must live to see what they have created: a fantastic multicultural country named Malaysia. They worked hard, and thanks to their efforts, we are now recognised worldwide in every conceivable aspect.

Malaysia has grown exponentially with fantastic opportunities for everyone to flourish. Opportunities are given regardless of race, religion or the colour of your skin. Absolutely amazing!

They must live to see the GLCs and the ministries working together so efficiently that it is akin to a dream team. No corruption will ever be tolerated and if caught, the wrongdoers are arrested and charged in a full open court trial, and the guilty face swift justice.

Only the best brains are picked by a committee, independent of the Cabinet, to make sure there is no undue influence. The committee is answerable to Parliament, nothing is compromised. The directors-general of all government ministries and the staff are fair, efficient and operate with the utmost integrity. Absolutely amazing!

Clean, lean and green

Our economy is thriving, with surpluses every year. We have always, in the past 50 years, had an excellent finance minister who leads his staff with high expectations. Malaysia has low external debts and large reserves, while no one has abused their power while in office.

We have the largest foreign direct investment in Asia, the highest literacy rate and excellent infrastructure. We do not rely on cheap foreign labour, unlike our neighbours.

We have a fantastic enforcement and judicial system. Only the best are given appointments, all based on merit, mental ability and health. It has nothing to do with race, religion or the colour of one’s skin. No political influences.

All checks and balances are in place to make sure nothing is compromised. Government staff are world-class, kind, polite but firm.

There is no favouritism, everyone is treated equally, regardless of whether you are a VIP or a homeless person. People are respected for what they are, again due to the education and leadership in the last 50 years.

World-class education

And the best part is Malaysia’s education system. I am telling you, to call it top class is an understatement.

We are recognised all over the world. Harvard and Oxford even accept a B average for STPM, as it is too high a standard even for them. Scholarships are given by other countries to Malaysian students as they have very good discipline, are hard working and quick to adapt.

On the international stage, our politicians and diplomats are so well respected. Our ministers who attend the international conferences speak eloquent English and Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil and French, to show how Malaysia is multilingual, a truly gifted nation with excellent leadership.

We are so good that diplomats from other countries attend Intan to train and learn. They attend courses set by local lecturers.

The poor get help, there are ample facilities for them to grow in strength and train. Our welfare department is well equipped to deal with the disabled. The facilities we have for the disabled are the best in the world, a caring society, a team of 32 million with only one vision, a vision for a great Malaysia. Everyone thinks in unison.

Our roads, bridges are also world-class. There are no potholes, everything is designed with high standards, by the correct methods, no shortcuts.

Fantastic environmental record

Our drains and rivers are clean, checked regularly by enforcement staff. People who contaminate them are swiftly dealt with. The irresponsible not only pay fines but are directed to clean the filth.

Our rainforest is not abused, with only limited clearance for housing. We have so many trees and plants which are almost extinct in other parts of the world. The government has prohibited irresponsible land clearing: permission is given only with an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.

Due to excellent planning and leadership for over 50 years, climate change has had little impact on Malaysia. Our rainforest is full of life, with tourists pouring from all over the world to visit, thus increasing Malaysia’s income and reserves.

Our fisheries are allowed to grow, fishing is strictly controlled, and there is no overfishing. There are enough protected areas where no one is allowed to fish.

Opportunities are given to the farming community to grow, and increase food production, with tax breaks and subsidised fertiliser. Malaysians get fresh and reasonably priced food directly, cutting out the middleman. The quality is just amazing.

Religions in harmony

Malaysian religious leaders accept each other’s faiths and have regular dialogues. They don’t interfere and comment on other religions, as they understand the importance of religious harmony.

Religious freedom is respected, and there is no bigotry, no seditious statements made by anyone. That is because of the excellent education system in the last 50 years implemented by our elected representatives. What a great country and leadership we have!

Our Cabinet has the best brains, with ministers who are very smart and well-educated. It’s a small Cabinet, relative to our population and very well run. It’s like a well-oiled machine, responsible to the people who elected them.

The prime minister is the head of the executive and has tremendous respect not only in Malaysia but in Asean.

Amazing human rights record

Malaysia’s crime rate is one of the lowest in Asia. No deaths in police lock-up for 50 years, an amazing human rights record. Drug addicts are treated with respect and rehabilitated. There is hardly any rape or incest. It’s not perfect but it’s almost there.

Suicides are dealt with appropriately and not treated as a crime. Mental health facilities are excellent, so are other health facilities for the elderly regardless of race, religion or status in society. Animals are given every right to live without abuse.

True muhibbah

Education is free up to university. Health is free. Taxes are collected fairly and spent wisely, every sen going back to the people who paid for them. There is hardly any government wastage, and even last week, the auditor-general complained, he was bored because there was nothing to audit! Imagine that!

Malaysians visit each other’s houses during festivals, and understand each other’s religious requirements. There is no suspicion and mistrust. Lots of laughter and helping around in communities. They prepare food, cook, and eat together. What more do you want? Absolutely fantastic.

That is what you call muhibbah.

And then I woke up, realising it was all a dream.

Hence, that’s why we must pray for politicians to live for 100 years more, to see what they have created. - FMT

Adnan D is an FMT reader

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.