Will it change for the better after Nov 19?

 

To many Malaysians, their country is a disgrace. That includes me, I must add.

However, I suspect that we are judging it from only the behaviour and attitude our politicians show of the ‘power’ they assume when given a position of responsibility.

Most of us do not have a reason to hate the country. This is because of the freedom we are guaranteed and the opportunities available to succeed in our chosen field; for as long as it is within the limits of the law.

This freedom includes choosing the people most deserving to sit in Parliament or the state legislative assembly to decide on policies and enact laws.

I would like our politicians and parties slugging it out in the Nov 19 polls to take note of my following concerns.

I love Malaysia enough to support every national team and athlete that shows their skills and talents in international arenas. I cheer for our troops assigned to go to strife-torn countries to keep law and order.

But I tremble when our nation began sinking into the political cesspool since the treacherous Sheraton Move in February 2020. The political division is tearing us apart. The political mantra has become, “party first, country second.”

Some of the politicians involved in Sheraton Move

Many Malaysians think they have it bad because a former prime minister has been sent to jail for corruption, six littoral combat ships are undelivered, and many more politicians and bureaucrats are waiting in line to be questioned in court over their misdemeanours.

But that’s not all.

A worry which increasingly needs attention - as I’m sure the authorities are aware - is the use of technology and the transition of criminal activities to online platforms.

Criminals and terrorists use virtual assets to launder the proceeds of their illegal activities; since it is quite difficult to track the related funds and identify the beneficiaries involved.

With a storm and a general election on the horizon, it’s not surprising if suspicious fingers are already pointing at politicians as the hidden hands behind the activities.

With every general election, I look forward to the same thing; that more politicians would call for - and practise - accountability and respect for our rule of law. That goes for every person in the ruling party, and every person on the opposition bench.

Being anti-corruption is ‘party blind’. We need to toss corrupted ones into prison, not just out of office.

The elected YB (representatives) is to be accountable to the job and to the duty of helping those under his or her care to achieve bigger goals than they had ever accomplished before. Is it too big a job for you, my dear YB-wannabe?

What is best for M’sia?

There are four major political alliances, all creditable in their own right - BN, Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional (PN) and newbie Gerakan TanahAir (GTA) - and they all speak about giving the best for the country.

They recognise Malaysia is in bad shape and each claim they have fresh ideas to rebuild the country to its once-glorious state.

BN chair and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said: “There is no need to look left and right because we are shouldering a big responsibility to restore stability and prosperity. This is BN’s promise to the rakyat and country.”

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

PKR president and Harapan chief Anwar Ibrahim said: “If I become leader, I will be a leader for all Malaysians. We have to bring new politics, respect and accept people from different races as our citizens.”

Bersatu president and PN chair Muhyiddin Yassin said: “Solving the bread and butter issues faced by the people; will be our top priority if PN wins.”

Pejuang president and GTA boss Dr Mahathir Mohamad said: “We are offering something clean. No court cases among us; and leaders have got experience. We are offering to turn Malaysia around.”

They all have the noble thought to uphold national honour, peace and stability. But the voters, who now include 18-year-old youngsters, would also be wise to ask about the party or candidate they would be voting for with questions such as:

“Would this party choose profits over people every time?”

“As long as the stock market goes up, would this candidate care if the people suffer?”

“While quick to say his opponent is corrupted, why does he ignore the rot in his own house?”

Serving rakyat vs serving own ego

In my opinion, we have a good system of choosing a government. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have serious problems when it comes to the matter of government.

There are politicians and bureaucrats who care for us. On the other hand, there are parasites and pests who do not have the people’s best interests at heart when making important decisions.

There are people entirely focused on increasing their own political power, fame, and fortune. The interests of their constituents come last.

How does the government draw people who are highly productive, smart, and dynamic, if such workers have to deal with egoistic politicians who demand they be given priority when being served at government counters and offices?

Incompetence, a lack of ethics, back-biting and curry favouring are seen as virtues and ways to the top. Big-time politicians choose to ‘manage’ rather than represent their people. This leads to a phenomenon where scum rises to the top in the administration.

The point is - do Malaysians think they have it bad because they hear of frauds in illegal investment schemes, trafficking of illegal drugs, smuggling of contraband goods, customs and excise duty evasions; and criminal involvement among those given the mandate to take care of the people’s social and community needs?

Will it all change after Nov 19? - Mkini

---

FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak. He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.