I have received the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) resolutions in my email today, not sure if it was initially sent out by PR's supporter or their promotional wing as nobody put their name on it. Though it appeared like a propaganda for votes at the end. Anyway, it got me thinking, and just had to voice out my views though it is not my main interest in this blog.
I'm not convince of promises, sometimes it is too good to be true. Give me real proven results and realistic propositions. Not just free this and that, give aways, incentives, etc. Malaysia has bountiful of resources, but we do not have a bottomless treasure mountain. I'm not a supporter of Barisan Nasional (BN) nor PR, in fact I'm terribly dissapointed over Malaysian political scene for the past few years.
Perhaps the politicians need to "mature", and quickly too in view of rapid global development. Time and time again they had appeared to be whiny toddlers and hot-headed teenagers, in and out of the Parliament and State Assembly. We want issues that concern with our daily lives to be address, not some silly statements utter by senile ill informed MPs.
Pakatan Rakyat convention - 10 resolutions
The Pakatan Rakyat convention in Penang sent an unmistakable and chilling signal to arch rivals - Prime Minister Najib Razak and the Umno-BN coalition. Despite a roller coaster journey since sweeping to power in the 2008 general election, Pakatan has not been diminished by the enmity and malice unleashed by its political opponents, but has been able to mature and grow stronger in the process.
"You name it, whatever problems, whatever hardship or stone or rock that the Umno-BN could find, they have thrown it at us. But we are committed to an agenda of change and that needs the removal of the current federal government," Opposition Leader and Pakatan de-facto head Anwar Ibrahim told Malaysia Chronicle at the sidelines of the congress.
Indeed, the star-studded conference hall was packed with the likes of PAS president Hadi Awang, Mujahid Yusof Rawa, PKR president Wan Azizah, Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.
Pakatan delegates and other members of the public who wanted to meet their 'reformasi' heroes were spoiled for choice. DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also Penang Chief Minister, played host to the 2,000-strong crowd at the convention.
Racial policies rejected, preliminary 10-point manifesto unveiled.
In a rousing opening address, Guan Eng warned Prime Minister Najib Razak's Umno party not to 'hijack' the federal constitution and misinterpret the controversial Article 153 to divide the ethnic groups in the country.
"Somehow Umno always fails to mention that Article 153 also states that the legitimate interests of other communities must also be protected,” Guan Eng said.
“Umno will always try to play up the relationship between PAS and DAP. They want to politicise this. They will use the 3Rs — Race, religion and ‘Raja’ (the Rulers) to try and drive a wedge between us."
Guan Eng also unveiled a ten-point document to be signed by all the top Pakatan leaders and which is set to become the coalition's preliminary manifesto in the coming general election. The resolutions outline in detail the changes Pakatan will introduce within the first 100 days of its taking over Putrajaya if it wins the next general election expected to be held early next year.
The resolutions are:
And my hopes and doubts in blue:
1. A restructure of institutions including the Elections Commission (EC), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Royal Malaysian Police. During a debate on the policy framework, DAP’s Anthony Loke said PR bring the MACC under the purview of Parliament.
Resturcture all you like, if the politicians do not let go of their grip on these agencies, nothing will change. Put it under Parliament? That would be the worst decision ever, directly being manipulated by the politicians. Let's face it, Parliament is run by politicians, not by the government. Ministers are regarded as "gods" and not be offended by even the top government officers, not many are willing to speak truthfully in fear of being regarded of disrespect, also not wanting to "rock the boat". Bad practices as this trickles all the way down to all levels of government service. Thus, a good worker and person is not always at the winning end.
2. A repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA)
ISA works if not abused, there are still many that would act or speak recklessly and put public in danger if there's nothing to stop them quickly. These people could "escape" from the regular laws as loop holes are plenty, especially in cases when $$ can do wonders. We only see the sensational arrests in the limelight, thus perhaps it is not the whole story. The law is not at fault, enforcement of it is in question. Bet you didn't know that law offenders, except those with capital crimes like murder, robbery, drug traficking; could be arrested and be out in minutes with a bail if the lockups at the police station is full, which is often. This is not hearsay, first hand experience from illegal wildlife enforcement that I happened to be at.
3. Instruct Khazanah Berhad, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and other government bodies to take over highway assets from the concessionaires in order to abolish the toll system.
Most if not all government projects are in losses, government lack good managers and administrators as in the private sectors, especially in the areas of finance, economy and human resource. What do you expect, when you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. And most important of all, often people that are good in their jobs are always not the person in charge. If PR wants to take up all these major projects into the government, they have to look into human resource very seriously. Government services are very heavy on administrative and management, yet totally inefficient, and very low on acquiring technical skills, and organisational support is extremely weak.
4. A restructure of the country’s subsidies, to lessen subsidies given to the private sector (such as the RM19 billion in gas subsidies given to independent power producers) and transferring these to subsidies for the man on the street.
Transparency. Does the man in the street will really get the profits and benefits? And would all these subsidies be sustainable? Malaysia is in deficit every year for more than 1 decade, stop the "leak" and make sure we are not cleaning out our reserves for short term gratification and for vote fishing.
5. Acknowledging the role and sacrifices of civil servants by studying the current pay schemes and increasing the incentives for teachers by RM500 a month
Again, as in 3. There is a major imbalance of workload and responsibilities place only on some, not all. The backstabbing, cronyism in govt service is unbelievable for the tuppence they get. People become position and power crazy, as merits are not base heavily on technical knowledge and skills. In the end, the experienced people lost their skills and knowledge over administrative paperworks, and the valuable knowledge are never passed on, as they are stuck in the office day... and many times, night.
The Professional and Administrative level Govt officers, many, I was one of them, works overtime and sometimes during holidays and weekends too, without reimbursement. Sometimes not even replacement leaves, however not relevant anyway as if the leaves can be used, there would be no need for overtimes.
I was amazed and delightfully amazed that FRIM adopt a system where the experienced officers that are soon to be retired step down from their administrative post, yet retaining their grade (which determines their salary & allowance), and go heavily into research and training up the new officers. This way, the younger officers have a chance at being the bosses, which many wants to, but still the experience and knowledge within the organisation would not wither away in the 4-walls of an office under mountains of paperwork. I hope all government office can adopt this system, especially where technical knowledge and skills is a major requirement in their work.
6. Transferring private water concessions to the government
Yes, government should be providing all the basic necessities...however be efficient, act quick and not just be "casual" about it because it is by the government. Water should not be free for all, people tend to waste and not be appreciated when it is free. TNB's below RM20 free scheme is one I am very happy with.
7. Offering free wireless Internet access to those in urban and semi-urban areas
Again, cost and effect must be taken account of. Millions and billions spent must in turn provide quality. Wide and free coverage but snail speed doesn't work, might as well go back to the good old postage. I would like to see my tax money to go into something useful to every lay person on the street, like internet, public transport, water, electricity, healthcare. Not 100-storey building that only some events may take place, and some people may go to. As a matter of fact, why not renovate and improve on existing buildings, like the PWTC, which is already in the middle of city centre, easily accessible by publkic transport, and badly required a good do-up.
8. Cancelling Felda Plantations and opening up its farms to second- and third generation Felda settlers.
FELDA has done some good for the people, but of course it could have done much better. Open up by all means, but work collectively. Time and again many projects has proven, small holders do not do as well if they act on their own. To be able to own lands and planting is one thing, to market and profit...that's equally if not more important. Most planters do not know how or even where to sell, other than in the local wet market...thus a major setback to their income and profits. While the middleman gets the profits, and we the consumers have to pay for expensives goods. I would be very happy if somebody will call for cheaper food, #1 concerns of all rakyat.
9. Increasing oil royalty payments to Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kelantan to 20 per cent from 5 per cent currently.
Great to have more money to the states to ensure a more balanced development throughout the countries. Just make sure it is development for the benefit of all, and not for few.
10. Formation of a Royal Commission to solve the problem of illegal immigrants and citizenship issues in Sabah and Sarawak .
Form the Royal Commission, formulate a working plan and stick with it, and that need a head that will bulldoze through no matter the obstacles...many times things just fizzle off and get swept under the carpet...never resolve. Illegal immigration has been a problem for decades, would not be resolve overnight. Start at the state, prove that PR can really do it. In fact, this holds true for most major problems face in Malaysia. Ministers will call for working groups, committees, even Royal Commissions, but did all these actually get down to the core of the problem to resolve them once and for all, or just a face put up to placate the uproar temporarily.
Don't you think Pakatan Rakyat deserves your vote for a change for the better at the next 13th G. E.?
Evidence? Look at the improvements in Penang and Selangor.
If PR performed well, rakyat have sharp eyes and ears, would know and vote accordingly.
Penang has improved, many people I've talked to are happy with the changes. Selangor still has much more to be done. Cross between KL and Selangor, you can see and feel the difference. At times it is almost like stepping between urban and rural areas, truly baffling yet undeniably factual.
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