The 12th.General Election 2008

Let’s vote wisely for credible candidates

The whole nation is gearing up for the 12^th.General Elections which is expected to be held in the very near future. It is another milestone in the history of our nation which is at the crossroads moving into the second half century since its birth. Malaysians of all ethnicity and all walks of life will go to the polls to decide the destiny of the nation which they have all made their home. It is a rare occasion when all citizens, regardless of race, creed, social standing and political affiliation are made to feel equal in exercising their constitutional rights. 

Over the last 50 years under the Barisan Nasional (BN) rule the nation had made great strides, from a underdeveloped agricultural country we have become a prosperous industrialized nation and at the brink of becoming a developed nation by 2020.Our success story is our pride and an example for others to ape. The credit goes to our leaders, for their foresight and wisdom and the relentless work of the people. We have never experienced the rule by any party other than the BN.

Although we have developed tremendously, like in any country, we have our share of problems and setbacks as well. The country is now plagued with problems of racial and religious polarization, inflation, declining standards of education, high crime rate, immigrant problems, sluggish civil service and corruption at high places. 

The Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Agency and police are subservient to the executive. The independence of the judiciary has been seriously undermined and the Lingam Tape scandal has cast serious doubts on its credibility as the custodian of justice. It appears to be to be tainted and chaotic at the highest level. Even parliament is not bold to debate issues that are of grave interest to the public, instead it has become a mere rubber stamp of the ruling party. 

It is with this scenario of an illustrious past and a gloomy present that Malaysians are going to the polls that will set the direction to chart the future. They have to make the all important decision between continuity or change. The other option that would be more practical is continuity but without a 2/3 majority. In all previous elections the people opted for continuity as they perceived that to be the means of stability, peace and prosperity. 

Malaysians today are more educated and better informed than before. They are exposed more to international politics, such as the on-going election campaign in the US, and better appreciate the working of democracy. As such their demands and expectations from the government too have increased tremendously and will continue to do so in the years to come. They are beginning to realize that there should be better checks and balances as absolute power if unchecked will corrupt even the most righteous. 

The political maturity of Malaysians should not be underestimated and their demands for a transparency, accountability and fairness from the government they elect should not be over-looked.Our politicians must understand these positive changes that are taking place in the general populace and political parties must strive to offer better, more capable and credible candidates to meet these new challenges posed by a more literate and demanding electorate.

On the other hand the time has come for the people to show their wisdom in voting only for those candidates with good tract record, honesty, integrity and good moral values and reject those who thrive on race politics and those who are corrupt and who do not have the welfare of the people at heart. They must use the election to send a clear and strong message to the leaders of political parties that they are not willing to compromise these qualities of their wakil rakyat for anything whatsoever.

Malaysians must show their maturity by rising up to reject money politics. Those who succumb to bribery and vote buying are committing greater crime than those who offer them. They should not allow greed and selfishness and fall prey to such unscrupulous tactics but rather place the national interests above theirs.

The ongoing US election campagn is an eye opener for all of us. It is refreshing to see the potential candidates gracefully leaving the race willingly and in a very civil manner with praise for their challengers. The Democratic battle between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama is being conducted in such an open, civil and truly democratic manner that should be the envy of the rest of the world. 

It is very gratifying to see the maturity of the political candidates and the American voters. Genuine issues like healthcare, Iraq war, poverty, inflation, tax and poverty are the deciding factors, not race or the party, in choosing their president. If Obama were to become the President, it would be historic day for America, as a member of a once enslaved colored community can rise up to become the most powerful man in the world. That speaks volume for the democracy of their nation.

We are quick to criticize the US for its unfair policies and its alleged racism, but how does our system of guided democracy measure up to that in the US?  We are still voting based on race and religion. Can a non-Malay citizen ever become the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or even a Menteri Besar of a state?

Our politicians, especially the veterans and those riddled with all types of scandals refuse to step down gracefully even if not wanted anymore. They cling onto power by all means available to them. Money politics is still rampant and millions of ringgit are ditched out and all sorts of development projects launched and goodies promised at the last minute in an attempt to fish for votes. If this is not institutionalized bribery then what is it? It is sad that many voters are still swayed by these tactics.

The future of the nation is in our hands as we are given the opportunity to decide its destiny.This time around let us vote based on the merits of the candidate rather than the party that he/she represents. Let’s look at his/her merits – honest, straight, high integrity and above all dedicated to champion our causes effectively regardless of race or religion. We must reject politicians who are corrupt and out to use their positions to enrich themselves and their families and cronies.

Let us vote to send the best to parliament where issues confronting the nation can be debated in a civil and democratic way without fear or prejudice. Let us vote to make parliament the truly highest policy making body in the country, submitting to none other than the wishes of the rakyat alone.

As we are deliberating whether to vote for continuity or change, the following words of Barack Obama would be of some help “Change is hard. Change is always met by resistance from the status quo. The real gamble is to have the same old folks doing the same old things over and over and over again and somehow expect a different result,”

We cannot and should not expect a better outcome with the same old system over and over again. To cure the ills we have today we must strive to effect a change. To bring about that change may not be that easy, it may be a monumental task, but there must be a beginning for all good things to happen, why shouldn’t it be now. It is now in our hands to make that change; do we have the will and courage to do so? 

Dr.Chris Anthony 

 

 

Indian plight : Will the BN keep its promises?

MIC needs new blood to do so

The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently called on the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) to re-engineer itself to remain relevant to the Indian community.It is a sign that the BN is beginning to realise that the MIC is becoming a liability rather than as asset, which it had been, standing solidly behind the BN in all the previous elections. He rightly pointed out that Indian community, like the others, is more educated now and their expectations from the leadership were higher than ever before. This is an inevitable change that results from the rapid socio-economic developments that have taken place in the country over the last 50 years.

The MIC must heed Najib’s call to re-examine and revamp its leadership at all levels and act to regain the confidence of the Indian community. Otherwise as he says there is real danger that the MIC, which has been the sole representative of the Indians in the government since its inception, will soon become irrelevant to them.

Najib outlined the steps the government would take to uplift the socio-economic standing of Malaysian Indians. These include increasing the intake of Indians into the civil service; providing more scholarships to Indians entering public universities; sending qualified Indians to foreign universities for tertiary education; increasing the micro credit loans for Indian businessmen; improving the quality of education at Tamil schools; and orderly relocation of temples. Are these measures genuine or just election promises?

While it is encouraging that the government has suddenly recognized the plight of the Indians in particular, it is lamented that these problems, had been neglected for far too long. Restructuring of society and eradication of poverty did not bring the intended benefits to all communities although the policy was tailored for that.

The government might have initiated numerous development programmes for the various communities but unfortunately their implementation leaves much to be desired. It is imperative that the government ensure that policies formulated at the highest level, are translated into realities on the ground and not sabotaged by the “Little Napoleons” at various levels of the administration. Why did the government fail to reprimand these “little Napoleans” who did not toe the line in implementing national policies which were meant to benefit all communities?

Najib admitted that Malaysia would not become a developed nation by 2020 if any of the races, including Indians, were marginalised.In this context the contribution of all communities, however small, is vital to the overall development of the nation. No efforts must be spared to tap the potentials of all to the fullest. No community however small should be neglected as the ailments in one will rapidly spread over to adversely affect all.

It is election time and the PM and DPM and others top leaders of the BN have promised many goodies for all including the Indian community. The question in the minds of Indians is, will the BN keep its promises after 50 years of failing to do so? Many believe that it can be, to a certain extent, made to honour its promises to the Indian community if there is a change in the leadership in the MIC.The Indians are convinced beyond doubt that as long as the present leaders of MIC remain at the helm, there can never be any change in the attitude of the BN and the government towards the plight of Indians.

Unfortunately the leadership of the MIC, under Datuk Seri Samy Velu, prefers to be blind to the dilemma of community it says it represents. Unless the MIC leaders come out their denial syndrome, the future of the Indians does not look too bright.

Dr.Chris Anthony

The future of MIC

Star,February 4 2008 Re-engineer yourself to remain relevant, Najib tells MIC

By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC has to re-engineer itself to remain relevant to the Indian community, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Deputy Prime Minister said this would ensure the party remained the main representative of the Indian community in the country.

Stressing that the future of the Indians lay with the Barisan Nasional, Najib said the MIC should not rest on its laurels.

“The fact that the MIC has delivered the Indian votes doesn’t guarantee that this will continue.

“But if you continue to re-examine yourselves and go through the process of strengthening the leadership at all levels and get the confidence of the Indian community, I’m convinced that the MIC will be the only relevant party of the Indian community,” he said.

Najib was speaking at a special convention for MIC branch chairmen, which was attended by about 3,000 party leaders at the PWTC yesterday.

He said the Indian community was educated now and their expectations were higher than ever before.

“The test of leadership is more challenging now and more exacting than in the past,” he said.

He cited Umno as an example, saying that the party also had to go through the process of re-engineering or re-invention.

“If before this Umno can say that it will win just by putting a songkok as a candidate, we are now telling Umno members that they cannot expect that kind of support today.

Message from above: The participants of the MIC convention listening to the speech by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Putra World Trade Centre on Sunday. He made it clear to them that they were in good hands with Barisan Nasional. However, he said, MIC would have to re-invent itself to stay relevant to the community. – CHAN TAK KONG / The Star

“We must tell our communities that we have credible leaders,” he added.

Najib also told the MIC leaders that Malaysia would not become a developed nation by 2020 if any of the races, including Indians, were marginalised.

He said that the Government has taken various measures to uplift the socio-economic standing of Malaysian Indians.

Among the measures, he said, were:

> INCREASING the intake of Indians in the civil service;

> PROVIDING more scholarships to Indians entering public universities;

> SENDING qualified Indians to foreign universities for tertiary education;

> INCREASING the microcredit loans for Indian businessmen;

> IMPROVING the quality of education at Tamil schools; and

> ORDERLY relocation of temples

MIC wants Government to intervene in key issues

KUALA LUMPUR: The MIC has asked the Government to address seven critical issues which had caused “uneasiness” among the Indian community, said Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

The party president said the issues should be resolved immediately as they had hindered the party’s efforts to ensure the upward mobility of Indians.

Samy Vellu said among the requests were ensuring that there were equal participation in the share market via the establishment of a special mechanism, like Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), to obtain the 3% equity target for the Indians by 2020.

Other issues were ensuring better employment for the community in the civil service, giving them greater access to entrepreneurship training programmes and micro credit loans.

He also wanted educational opportunities and more government scholarships. Samy Veluu also called for the setting up of a more effective poverty eradication programme.

He also said a dedicated mechanism should be set up to monitor and evaluate the delivery of public sector services in a just and fair manner. “The MIC is working hard to address concerns of the disadvantaged and low-income Indian families who form part of the bottom 30% of the socio economic ladder,” he said in his speech during a one-day special convention for MIC branch chairmen yesterday.

About 3,000 party members attended the convention at the Putra World Trade Centre. Samy Vellu listed several socio economic issues arising from the Indian’s rural urban migration including the lack of educational opportunities and low level of literacy among Indians.

Also, a large number of them had low-paying jobs, he noted. “These are factors that prevent the advancement of the ‘underclass sections’ among the Indians and (these deter them) from participating in the country’s development process,” he said.

The one-day convention is aimed at discussing a systematic approach to optimise the party’s resources and serve the Indian community more effectively.

Nation

Monday February 4, 2008

Trust Barisan, Indians told

KUALA LUMPUR: The future of the Indian community lies with the Barisan Nasional and they should work within the system and not against it, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He added that only the Barisan government could guarantee their future by continuing to work towards improving their socio-economic well-being.

“It’s important that this signal be conveyed to the Indians that their future lies by working within the Barisan.

“Continue to place your trust with the Barisan. Your future will be better if you work within the system and not against it,” he told a one-day special convention for MIC branch chairmen, which was attended by about 3,000 party leaders at the PWTC yesterday.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government also needed to address the aspirations and grievances of the Indian community.

“I want to tell you on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Barisan government, that we will do more for the Indian community.

“The Barisan leadership is sincere in improving the conditions of the Indians. If there are mechanisms or programmes that need to be made, we can discuss this together in the Cabinet,” he added.

Najib said the future of the Indian community would not be safeguarded by those who led street demonstrations.

“What will happen if the Malays in Kampung Baru begin to rise up (in protest)?

“We don’t want that because we want to build this nation, and the success of this nation depends on the Indians as well as the other communities,” he added.

Najib slammed critics who accused the Government of practising ethnic cleansing of Indians, saying that such a notion was mind-boggling.

“The household income of Indians is RM3,215 – more than the national average of RM3,022, while their relative poverty rate stands at 2.9% compared to 8.3% for bumiputras and 0.6% for the Chinese,” he added.

At a press conference later, Najib said Samy Vellu and other Indian elected representatives could hold discussions with him or Abdullah about the monitoring mechanism to improve the social-economic development of the Indians.

“They can see the both of us if they are not happy with how things are being implemented, so that the Government can address the shortcomings,” he added.

He denied accusations by the opposition parties that the Government had disregarded the views and suggestions of the MIC on improving the lot of the Indians.

“There are many examples of issues that had been taken up by the MIC to the leadership.

“For example, the party had asked for new university licences, assistance for Tamil schools, scholarships and requested for more Indians to be brought into the civil service.

“We did and will continue to give consideration to MIC’s requests,” Najib added.

Do or die battle for MIC

By BARADAN KUPPUSAMY

Speculation is rife as to how the MIC will perform in the coming general election after recent events which have had a huge impact in the Indian community. However, those expecting the party to face a thrashing may end up being surprised.

THE MIC faces the biggest challenge in its history as a political party as the general election approaches and as it tries desperately to recoup ground lost after the Hindu Rights Action Force rally on Nov 25.

While it was factional fights and internal squabbles that wrecked the party before, this time the unhappiness is from outside the party; from a community the MIC has represented all these years.

The MIC can claim to have helped the upper and middle classes of the Indian community but it is the Tamil masses that feel that they have been left behind.

The Tamil masses form the bulk of the voters in the Indian community and they have traditionally backed the Barisan Nasional while the educated classes often dallied in opposition politics. But they form only a tiny minority.

Without the Tamil masses rooting for it, the MIC is like a head without its body.

The head consist of 3,000 branches and about 30,000 core members over whom MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu can still lord.

But the body has become detached.

It is with the core membership that Samy Vellu has been holding court trying to show Barisan leaders that he is still a man to be reckoned with.

However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is no fool. He has called leaders of independent Indian NGOs, many of them critics of the MIC president, and heard their grouses.

“It was an eye opener for the Prime Minister,” said one of those who spoke up at the meeting.

The crux of the matter now is not whether the Tamil masses will vote for the opposition but what is the downside for the Barisan from a major swing in Indian votes, which seems likely.

Not only are some dozen or so Barisan seats affected but also most of the nine parliamentary seats and 19 state seats where the MIC will be contesting.

In these seats, Indian votes form an average of 15% of the vote – not enough to make a mark on its own but enough, in alliance with the DAP and PKR and to a lesser extent PAS, to upset the apple cart.

At the very least, affected Barisan leaders are burning the midnight oil trying to convince Tamil voters that they have always been there for them and that their grouses are not with them but with others.

In Perak, Penang and Kedah where the Tamil anti-establishment sentiments are most visible, Barisan representatives are working through the night visiting homes, temples and even attending rallies to win and keep Tamil loyalty.

On paper, the statistics can look scary. However, local factors will come into play to blunt Hindraf’s appeal.

For instance, MCA’s Datuk Yip Phooi Yong is called the “Buntong Tiger” for his closeness to the Indians in Buntong.

This time he is expected to challenge DAP’s M. Kula Segaran, also very popular with Indian voters, for the Ipoh Barat parliamentary constituency, a contest that will be hot and likely to divide Indian loyalty.

To make the best of a lousy situation, Samy Vellu is again juggling with his perennial “young and energetic” theme for his slate of candidate.

He is expected to drop many aging veterans like Datuk G. Rajoo of Perak and Datuk V. Saravanan of Kedah. Their replacements however are mostly party functionaries and are unlikely to excite and win back the Tamil masses.

To some sections of the Tamil masses, Samy Vellu has long overstayed his welcome. However, backing an MIC without Samy Vellu and under a new leader becomes a possible option for them.

If Samy Vellu quits now, the air will drain out of the Hindraf balloon and the MIC will have a breather, many experts say.

But Samy Vellu is determined to “refurbish” himself and all eyes will be on the Sungei Siput constituency which he has held since 1974.

“We are determined to defeat him in Sungei Siput,” said Kula Segaran who is trying to persuade either Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar or DAP lawyer M. Manoharan – both in detention under the ISA – to stand against the MIC veteran.

Ironically, the constituency has a Chinese majority, with the community forming 41% of voters. Malays and Indians form sizeable minorities along with the Orang Asli, who make up 5% of the electorate.

Samy Vellu, however, is no pushover and will fight tooth and nail. This is because a defeat would be a sorry end to a life-long political career that started some 60 years ago and which saw him dominating Malaysian political life.

K. BARADAN is a freelance journalist who writes on politics and business for various international publications.