No room for exclusivity

JOHAN Jaaffar’s reminder that continuity is important and sound policies and good people should be retained, “Victors should engage with the defeated” ( The Star, July 9), is most pertinent as Malaysia strives to move forward to a more transparent, accountable and equitable system of governance.

The “new broom sweeps clean” approach must be tempered to retain the people who have their hearts and minds in the right place and wish to serve well. Also, engagement with the Opposition is valid if they help to reform bad policies. Ultimately, the successful functioning of Parliament is a joint responsibility of both the government and opposition.

The government’s voice must no longer dominate, dictate or censor valid competing ideas and thoughts. After all, our new government has been elected for its promised mandate of greater transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.

SZE LOONG STEVE NGEOW Kajang