GIVE US A ROAD MAP FOR THE FUTURE
In three days, we will be in 2020; our country is not yet a developed nation as spelt out in the Vision 2020 blueprint; jumpstart the endeavour
DEAR Prime Minister, Peace be upon you and
selamat pagi. Many of us have read your health advice in this newspaper, starting with the one that appeared less than two weeks ago.
God-willing, some of us will try to keep up with your keep-fit regime.
You have been so busy since you reclaimed your post as prime minister two years ago.
The people’s hopes and expectations must weigh heavily on your shoulders.
At 94 years old, those shoulders may sag a little, but your determination appears undiminished.
In three days, we will be in 2020. Our country is not yet a developed nation as spelt out in the Vision 2020 blueprint.
In many parts of the country, we still carry the Third World mentality that impedes attempts to advance as a developed nation.
You may not like my next line. But it has to be mentioned. Just one taxi ride across our southern border and we are in a developed nation.
Singapore is one of the world’s commercial centres — thriving as a First World country. It’s not a perfect country, mind you. Then again, no country is perfect, right?
I spoke to several people on their expectations of the Pakatan Harapan government under your stewardship.
Just like you, they are concerned about the direction the country is taking.
Cancer surviver Yong R. said: “I don’t envy the PM at his job. It is always lonely at the top. But it doesn’t have to be. Where are his colleagues? They should be doing some thinking too. They can no longer say they are new after two years in the cabinet.
“I wish Tun all the best. Please look after your health. As a cancer survivor, and at 75 years old, I do whatever it takes to stay as healthy as possible. I also stay away from negative people. I gain nothing from associating with them. You should do the same, Tun.”
I wish to add to what Yong R. said. A few of your cabinet colleagues are not pulling their weight as much as you and a few others. I won’t name names. But many of us on the ground are appalled at the lack of knowledge and communication skills.
A few appear to be clueless about their tasks. They appear unable to dive deeper into issues. You know them better than I do. Hopefully, they will buck up in the new year.
I spoke to Param, an entrepreneur who does work on data analytics and social enterprises.
He said: “The focus should be on youth. Have a comprehensive plan for youth development. We see this in our neighbour, Indonesia. Don’t forget, too, that Finland has four female ministers in the cabinet, one of whom is the prime minister.”
Param also suggested that lower category government servants be encouraged to have a second job or income. I’m not sure if this is doable. But Param suggested these staff be given one day off every week to establish their own business.
Provide support to these people by conducting courses for career opportunities, reskilling programmes, micro-financing and whatever else that may be reasonably needed.
They can be encouraged to opt for early retirement and go into business to boost the economy. Of course, this will require political will. What do you think of this, Tun?
I wish to also suggest that a proper plan for the urban poor be developed.
At a recent seminar on urban poverty, it was revealed that people living in cities are poorer than those living in the rural areas! We need a detailed study and research on this.
It has also been bandied about that the urban poor are those commonly referred to as the bottom 40 (B40) group. But economists and researchers weren’t quite sure if the B40 truly reflected the poor and those needing concrete help.
Tun, I think it’s high time a blueprint to tackle urban poverty on a national scale was put in place. We shouldn’t drag our feet on this.
By the way, an admirer of your keep-fit regime, Johan, 67, who made his debut as a marathon runner last September, said: “I will stick to my keep-fit routines and continue to set new goals in this matter.
“To all politicians, I have this to say — political will is much needed if we want to transform this beloved nation. You know that you will only be judged by history.
“Tun, although age would qualify you as a grandfather to most of us, my expectation is that we need your firmness as a father rather than the gentleness of an elderly statesman,” said Johan.
Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, the first female chairman of the Malaysian Red Crescent, also has a message for you, Tun. (The prime minister is the honorary president of MRC.)
Tunku Puteri said the emphasis for the future is on youth.
“In support of our humanitarian services, I wish Tun can help us become the lead agency in helping young volunteers become leaders. Help us to empower the youths.”
A public relations practitioner, Tham, meanwhile, listed three wants for the prime minister: help young people find jobs; make our economy strong again; and make us proud to be Malaysians again.
Tham has certainly given a lot of thought to this country, moving forward.
She said: “While we are far from being a developed nation in 2020, this beautiful country still has a lot going for it. Let’s see a road map to take the country forward.
“Why are we squabbling over non issues? We have a more important trajectory. Mind you, bread and butter issues will be more prevalent next year. We need to jump start our economy again.
“Malaysia is my home. I have remained in this country despite the odds. But I fear I suffer from unrequited love.
“It is heart-rending to hear my fellow Malaysians tell me they are more Malaysian than I...”
I got hold of Mokhtar, a senior retired policeman. Mokhtar is an active community leader.
He gave a one-liner: “To Tun and his government — fulfil your promises and the rakyat will be happy to support you back.”
Ben, a retired businessman who excelled in his logistics business, had this to say: “Tun, be assertive and be more affirmative.”
Dear Tun, you have your own critics, as you also have your supporters.
Some of the criticisms aimed at you would make lesser mortals cringe or give up. But the mandate to govern is with you.
As the year comes to an end, we all want you to use that mandate in the best possible manner. Happy New Year, Tun, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and family. May you have a blessed year ahead!