Transparency must be the new mantra

I FEEL compelled and relieved that I can finally write a letter without having to worry over the consequences. This is probably one of the many things most Malaysians could relate to in these exciting new times.

However, Malaysia is on uncharted waters now. This has opened up many discussions and opinions, as is evident in social media and letters to newspapers.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad did not waste any time in getting down to business with the formation of the Council of Eminent Persons and Institutional Reform Committee (IRC), release of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim within a week after coming to power and meeting top government officials on the first working day after the general election, just to name a few.

We can see that the new government is working hard to achieve the necessary reforms.

Beyond this, the new ministers, deputy ministers and other officials who will be appointed in due course must execute their duties with integrity, accountability and transparency.

To quote American motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “With integrity, you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.”

Change is imminent. To quote Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

I believe we too can ride on the wave of change to reshape our notion as Malaysians.

DR SENTHIL RAJ RETINASEKHARAN Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Kota Baru