SV Singam’s sequel to ’50 years of 2/3 majority’
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We live in a country that has not seen any real change of government since its inception 50 years ago. For 39 of those 50 years, we have been fed fear scenarios. The vast majority of the people do not understand change of government. Their fear of change is real and should not be trivialised. Proposals of too much change too soon may well trigger a panic reaction and undo all the good we are striving to accomplish.
So what change do we seek? Kick out the BN government and replace it with a group of unproven politicians? Why, We expect that their promises will be better kept? Or is it revenge we seek for all these years of exploitation and marginalisation? Should we not seek to change the baseline of our political system from a race-based one to one that builds a common future for all of Bangsa Malaysia?
Now how does one go about doing that? I haven’t the foggiest. I’m neither politician nor political scientist. But one statement made by Raja Petra Kamaruddin sticks in my mind – UMNO cannot be defeated from without.
Despite all of the party’s excesses, we cannot deny that there are many capable leaders within UMNO. They joined because they were seeking to change from within. Of course, some of them are being dropped because of their valiant efforts. But they are likely to remain party loyalists. Why? Because they probably do not see any of the other parties as having any realistic chance to achieve anything meaningful. We can expect the same of the other BN components.
Most of the damage done by the BN has been a consequence of the 2/3 majority. This damning 2/3 majority control has to wiped out of our political system. We should strive to have a parliament that eventually comprises two equally strong parties or coalitions that face off during each election to win the confidence and mandate of the rakyat.
To me, it seems that the first step should be to demolish the 2/3 stranglehold the BN has had for all these years. Even that step is fraught with danger. We all know why. We’ve been there before. Assuming that we survive that stage, the next stage should be for the now sizeable opposition to prove themselves to the rakyat. If they can demonstrate their calibre, they can begin to attract those capable leaders now sidelined or struggling within BN halls. The primary goal at this stage would be to prove to the rakyat that a functional alternate government is plausible and not a threat.
It is paramount that this Barisan Alternatif shed all race/religion based baggage. Otherwise, we will still be furiously running nowhere. It will be ideal if the party leaders can set aside personal ambitions, dissolve their separate parties and merge into a single entity with a single agenda and manifesto. I can then see capable leaders flocking to them in droves.
If we can get that far, people, we have hope for a splendid future.
We need a dream. Then we can make it come true.
Let us make that our dream.
The People's Parliament 
pavlova
February 18, 2008
SV Singam,
This is a very valid point to be raised. IMHO, to get rid of the 2/3rd majority, the NEP has to be wiped out. (think about who is more likely to be supporting BN)
Another system has to be in place, perhaps a more “socialist” type. Why can’t a proper social welfare be in place? Something that’s rid of race based and corruption type?
But someone in the previous post did raise the question of, if BN is going to lose, what’s going to happen? Another 1969? What if 1969 was a result of the lies that were fed to the public?
But the thing here is, is there anybody (or any group) out there that is willing to steer the country to this direction?
Can the rakyat even be able to cope with that type of system?
Are the rakyat willing to be the politicians’ watchdogs? As soon as a politician errs on the other side, could there be enough “noise” to make them step down?
It has to start somewhere.
Someone, some people has to start somewhere.
pavlova,
The Anak Bangsa Malaysia is a step in the direction you speak of.
If this nation will vote for change, I undertake to play the role of watchdog.
I am prepared to start.
SV Singam
February 18, 2008
Pavlova,
I don’t see anything fundamentally wrong with the NEP. The failure was in the implementation.
When politics is no longer race-based, we can expect a more balanced implementation of the NEP with the aim of helping ANY disadvantaged person improve his station in life.
When the NEP is no longer a political tool, we can expect meaningful reviews geared towards phasing it out.
pavlova
February 18, 2008
Thank you both for your response. Much appreciated, and this is getting interesting!
SV Singam, NEP in itself is not wrong. It probably was created with good intentions.
But in other countries like Australia and NZ, a “somewhat similar” to the NEP is also in place, more so in NZ than Aus of course, to help the local people bridge the poverty gap. In NZ, of course this is the case of the Maoris.
As opposed to Malaysia, the Maoris are NOT a majority.
And already in itself there are loopholes and people take advantage of it. But nonetheless, the government does not let it go out of control.
So do the people.
Politicians are essentially public servants as well.
Our tax money pays them, so why aren’t WE the watchdogs? (Thank you Haris for willing to start, but more people need to be aware and be committed to this)
But oh well, what can I say. The situation now is a little bit far gone.
Either something drastic has to happen (but at the cost of putting the public through pain and sacrifice), or this can continue to manifest into far worse scenarios.
So it probably is a “damn if you do, damn if you don’t” kind of situation, but the question is, what is the lesser of two evils? What “pain and sacrifice” do we need to get through in order to achieve the ultimate good (however long that will take to get there)?
G H Teoh
February 18, 2008
A very matured idealistic and inspritional dream. I will walk with you and many like you on this 8th March as our first step in trying to fulfill this dream to ensure it becomes a reality. A very good acticle, indeed. Keep it up!
Jean
February 20, 2008
I agree that fear is a very real factor in our election choices. People fear change and even going for a break in the 2/3 majority will cause many to ask “So what will happen then? Will the rakyat (I, we) be effectively served?”
But we cannot continue with the stronghold of a government that puts 5 detainees under ISA for fighting for their rights and call it sedition, while speakers at the UMNO general assembly can get away with racist outrage, a state mufti can imply that racial riots will be the order of the day and a Chief Minister can tell a fellow component party members that “UMNO doesn’t need you, you can get out” with strong racial overtones. Yet the PM keeps calling for racial harmony while doing nothing to take care of his own backyard. We cannot continue giving greedy, self-serving opportunists the right to rule. While, as has been said, there are genuine people who serve, BN needs to know that “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” A shake-up is necessary and a strong opposition is a must.
The idea of a “watchdog” group by citizens mentioned by SV Singam is worth looking into. It may take a little time to formalize effectively, but politicians need to know they are being watched and that their role is to serve the rakyat and not line their pockets. This refers to both the ruling and the opposition politicians. Its a tall order and for transparency to prevail, the OSA is probably what needs to be addressed first. Issues that get swept under the carpet (like Zakaria Ideros, Auditor General’s report) must be hounded till justice prevails.
Sounds idealistic, but as you said, we need a dream, and they can come true. I recently saw a movie on dvd called “Amazing Grace” which told of how slavery was abolished. One man, fighting for years in England’s parliament till it happened. It gave me hope. Yes, dreams can make a difference.