GE15: what promises will be made in GE15, and who will make them? – Saleh Mohammed

TUN Abdul Razak Hussein was a politician and civil servant, who was also known as Bapa Pembangunan.

He said, “Let us consider what development is. Development means, first and foremost, a change. A change of attitude and a change of mind”.

Civil servants, he said, are independent and must express their views, even if such views may be unpalatable to ministers. Civil servants continue in office even though there is a change of government. Therefore, they must be impartial and free from political influence. Tradition, convention, self-criticism, and self-improvement are virtues which should be cultivated in the civil service.

In Tun Razak’s day, our civil service was second to none in Asia. He advanced the concept of official duties flowing beyond departmental boundaries into a national endeavour for the betterment of the country.

He held that the two cornerstones of government policy are the maintenance of law and order, and economic and financial stability. He also welcomed free speech and the freedom of the press. He promoted peace, justice and prosperity.

He was utterly dedicated to integrity and honesty in public office and shunned all forms of corruption. He was obsessed, for example, with ensuring that not a penny of government funding was used to pay for his personal needs.

He appealed to the people to re-dedicate themselves to certain ideals, which would transcend race, religion, culture, class and political affiliations.

Now, the countdown to GE15 on November 19 has begun.

The Spartacus-like battle cry is for the people to restore the country’s stability and prosperity.

Candidates must meet the “WALI” criteria: winnable, acceptable and likeable. “Wali” is also an Arabic word meaning guardian, custodian, protector, or helper.

Surely all political parties would like to field candidates with such qualities.

Do not stop there.

Would they also have the criteria expected by our Bapa Pembangunan, who called for a change of attitude, the absence of political influence on civil servants, for integrity and honesty in public office, the shunning of all manner of corruption, and for ideals that transcend race, religion, culture, class and political affiliations?

Will taking pictures at polling booths to be used as proof to claim payment happen again?

A free, fair and credible election would guarantee good governance and economic development, because inducement to influence any election would bring into power the wrong people and government for the next five years.

Whose manifesto will include shunning corruption and halt all attempts to perpetuate it? Who would advocate ethics, social norms and good values and who would oppose the abuse of power?

Which coalition will be the trendsetter in being transparent on political funding? 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission should be more proactive.

Is it true we are morally, intellectually, culturally, and religiously corrupt?

The media should also do its part in providing space to voices condemning corrupt practices, especially during this period.

We have heard rhetoric on the need to restore stability and prosperity. But development or prosperity should not focus only on material gains but also on the human, cultural and religious aspects of our lives.

Whose manifesto is going to change the existing mediocre mindset of voters, embrace objectivism and professionalism, and ensure peace, justice and long-term prosperity?

Whose manifesto is going to say we are grooming our children to be society-builders and not rent-seekers? 

Further, there are many cases of people in authority who do not allow young talent to emerge, for fear of being overshadowed or having their power bases eroded.

Being a dominant party is not what voters need or want. Voters need and want our children and grandchildren to have a better life and be proud of us in the years to come. As they progress in our absence, they can say with pride in their hearts that we did not fail them and chose the right leaders.

One day, we are going to have to give an account of what we did during our earthly sojourn. What are we going to say in front of our Maker?

What say you? – The Vibes, October 22, 2022

Saleh Mohammed reads The Vibes