As we usher in the New Year, can the Government fulfils the aspirations of the people?

2018 is a turning point for Malaysia as it is the first time ever the federal government changed hands since independence. Despite a long delay before an official announcement was made, Pakatan Harapan’s win was received with much euphoria. The fact that the transition of power was done peacefully was something to be proud of for a relatively young democracy. 

As much as the change of government has been a historic event, a more challenging role is to manage the expectations of the general public post-GE14, so it seems. As the GE-14’s dust settled, the public is going wary with the hard realities of life and unfulfilled election promises. Perhaps public expectations are too much, fueled nonetheless by the populist manifestos from all sides of the political divide. 

Given that the PH government did not gain two-thirds majority nor did it win the popular votes of the Malay majority, the voice of the significant voters who did not vote for the PH are considerable. There are advantages sitting at this position, so are the disadvantages. To the public, such a composition means that the government of the day cannot just do what it wants according to its own whims and fancies. On the other hand, the government can be seen as weak. 

With newfound freedom, thanks to the new administration, Malaysians are enjoying the opportunity to speak up in a manner never previously imagined. This should be good for the nation - as differing views are allowed in the open, more ideas are generated and healthier public debates can be expected. But as we take a peek into the social media, then only we would realize that this might just be a wishful thinking! Some of the discourses are so toxic you may lose interest in politics altogether.  

More than 6 months after GE-14, if indication from the media is to be used, the government is losing its popularity. It is still struggling with unfulfilled election promises, bad press etc. Take the ICERD issue as an example. The mass rally in December received widespread support among the Malays, and the message of dissatisfaction is very clear. It may be a highly politicized issue, cunningly so by the opportunist political masters. Yet, it shows what kind of message can mobilize the public, the Malays in particular. In terms of numbers, one can draw parallel with the previous rallies by BERSIH, but if we are to examine the racial composition of the protesters for both rallies, the observation can be quite disheartening and eerie. Post GE-14, as Malaysians, are we more united or more divided? If it is the latter, are we more divided across racial lines? 

As it stands, neither the perceived poor performance of the government nor the naive remarks of some ministers, helps. Regardless of whether they are being misquoted by the media or on the learning curve, the present government is in for the rough ride as it readily opens rooms for attacks by the opponents. Never a dull moment, netizens, cyber troopers and the media are having a field day almost every day, ranging from the black shoe announcement to the recent kakanda-adindaletter. The real substances of ministers statements or actions are often overshadowed by trivial matters. It seems that perceptions war are the rules of the day, no matter at what cost. 

Time to take stock  

As we enter the new year, perhaps it is time to revisit a dream that all Malaysians can associate themselves with and foster the much needed unity. We should demand for the government to be focused in dealing with the issues facing the country and prioritize accordingly. For that to happen, there must be less politicking. While government is not expected to know everything, evidence-based policies must be adopted. Any ill-thought-out announcement that could be a subject of ridicule or worst any decision that has to be back-pedaled must be avoided.  In certain circumstances, “silence is golden” should be practiced. More importantly, any signal indicating the practice of rent- seeking must be addressed at once. Malaysia cannot afford further leakages of public funds.  

For the Malays and Bumiputras, our rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution are here to stay even though some may feel threatened. Stand for our rights but it is time to get out of the comfort zone for the betterment of the society. While politics is part and parcel of the struggle, do not let politics to get in the way of the higher goals of improving the socio-economic status of the society. The much-required reforms within the society must happen, sooner rather than later. Perhaps start with a deep soul searching, go to the root of the problems and resolve those issues. As the globalized world is changing at a rapid pace, what worked in the past may no longer work in the new age. While having entitlement can be a privilege, the reverse can also be true if the values of what make a strong and resilient society are not embraced. Education and equality of opportunities must be set as priorities.   

For the general public at large, while the government may owe us the unfulfilled election promises, let’s be realistic and productive! As much as a caring government who care for our welfare is desired, there’s a lot on the plate for the current administration, facing a myriad of challenges. It should not be an excuse, but for things to happen in our favor, a lot of things have to happen, be it an improved economic performance or a better mechanism to channel aids to the needy. In a society as diverse as ours, there must be a give and take whilst no section of the society is being left out from the development of the country. Tolerance is the key. Keep pushing for effective and efficient delivery of public goods and yet allow the present administration the necessary room for a successful turn-around. It may take a bit of time and this is when a certain level of patience is required from all Malaysian. After all, isn’t this patriotism is all about? 

Going forward, Malaysia has no choice but to reform so as to progress and be a force to be reckoned with, regionally and globally. At the same time, we must strive to maintain our peaceful coexistence. The question remains though, as we usher into the New Year, can the Federal Government fulfills the aspirations of the people?