Congratulation! We Did It!

Congratulation! We Did It!

Posted by labisman

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

S. Ali Mahmud Firstly, I would like to congratulate my fellow Malaysians for the 12th General Election's result. The result has proven to us that the Rakyat want change and that power to change is entirely in the hand of the people. Despite not winning as the government, the ability of the Barisan Alternative to win five states, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kelantan proven that the citizens are fed up with the ruling coalition that had over and again disappoint the citizens. From my point of view, this victory is the first step towards bigger steps ahead, provided Barisan Alternative proves themselves in the next 5 years. This General Election's result evident the sensibility of the Rakyat. The Rakyat is cautious and prudent when deciding the shift of power. Instead of transferring the entire administration to the oppositions, they are testing the ability of Barisan Alternatives by mandating several states under their administration. If Barisan Alternatives is able to prove in the next 5 year that they are capable of carrying out the wishes of the Rakyat, Barisan Alternatives would stand a good opportunity to be elected as the next government in the next General Election. However, if they fail in these states, their likelihood of holding Federal government would be futile. In the next 5 years, the onus is on Barisan Alternative to prove to the Rakyat that they are capable and competent in working together amongst the opposition party and most importantly they are just in implementing policies that would benefit the Rakyat irrespective of their race and religions. As for the 4 new state governments, unlike Kelantan, it is crucial that these newly formed state governments strategise the socio-economic development of their states. They should conduct post mortem to identify what went wrong prior to introducing and implementing new policies and projects. How competitive and what are the priority of each states must be carefully examined. Inheriting states that had been ruled by the ruling coalition over the last few decades and to undo any of the flaws would require skills and diligence. On Federal level, the denial of two-third majority in the Parliamentary seats is a strong signal sent to the ruling party that the Rakyat have had enough of what has been happening. If the Prime Minister is serious about his job, I think he ought to realise the priorities of the Rakyat and be accountable to the citizens of this country. This country does not require any further mega projects. The Rakyat no longer wish to have another white elephant surrounding them. The priority is the cost of living of the Rakyat. It is in the heart of every citizen that they are not economically suppressed to enjoy a sensible life. People are demanding to live in a safer environment where enforcement agencies are deployed to protect them rather than abusing the power given. The Rakyat is demanding for a better future and equal opportunities for their children. These are the priorities that should be under the microscope of the government, not more buildings that will become the dwelling of drug addicts and centre for public delinquents like Mat Rempits to congregate. The Rakyat are telling the government vis-a vis this election result that they no longer willing to see the Parliament being treated like the zoo. In this 21st century, Members of Parliaments are expected to behave like human being and adhere to the ethics in the democratic institution with respect. The Rakyat are insisting on having crucial and pressing issues to be debated in the Parliament and not trivial issues with regard to crucifixes in missionary school. The shift of power back to the people is evident in this General Election result. People who are holding power should as Shahrizat Jalil rightly said, do some 'soul-searching'. Everyone including those who have been elected again into power ought to ask themselves honestly whether or not they are in power for personal or public gain? If the answer is the former, I proposed that these people should not contest again for the next general election. You would rather retire gracefully that to fall dishonourably (like someone we know). As for the newly elected state government and members of Parliament, a word of advice, your appointment is to represent the interest of the Rakyat. It is not to enable yourself being addressed as 'Yang Berhormat' or 'Sir'. Your appointment is to serve the Rakyat and you are there by virtue of Rakyat's mandates. I wish to congratulate Elizabeth Wong for her refusal to be addressed as YB despite being elected as MP in her constituency. We are in dire need of down to earth people to understand their role and chain of accountability towards Rakyat. It is the wish of Rakyat that these elected personalities understand their plights and are able to bring these pressing issues to the attention of those who are capable to address them. Remember what Haris Ibrahim said, it is the Rakyat who appoint you to be the Members of Parliament and Members of States Assemblies, the Rakyat too would also be able to depose any of you who fail them. Thus carry out the trusts that have been mandated upon you.