Set up NCC2 for a better future
This wonderful country needs a moderation force to drive rival camps into consultation in tackling our common problems and identifying constructive solutions.
DON’T tell me what an imperfect country Malaysia is or how our economy is busting or that society is on the verge of collapse and future prospects are murky.
There are many naysayers around, probably because they have their own untold agenda or are just born pessimists.
They could also be the passive patriots who can’t help but put others down, all for love of the country. Whatever their motives are, the reality is quite different.
To be honest, Malaysia is still running normally with not too bad an economic growth record, relatively peaceful and has a stable society. Most people still have jobs and a roof over their heads.
That does not mean the country has no problems.
Indeed, the country is functioning normally although some government policies are wavering.
The opposition, meanwhile, is in disarray, the philosophies of its components worlds apart and they simply lack the preparedness and ability to take over the reins of our country.
While we have to make do with a 4% economic growth, we painfully lack growth-boosting productivity and areas with high growth potentials.
The market is losing its vibrancy and is stuck in the middle-income trap.
Malaysian society is relatively stable and peaceful, but “religionisation” is becoming increasingly visible and the secular spirit we have inherited since the dawn of nationhood is being eroded bit by bit.
In the meantime, radicalisation is gaining strength, polarising the people between the different faiths and races.
Most Malaysians still have a job and home but many are living under tremendous pressure from skyrocketing prices of houses and goods, far outpacing salary increment.
If that is not enough, political and social conflicts continue to drain the confidence of the people towards their nation.
In short, what the country is facing now is a lack of confidence and direction but do we have anyone who would throw in sufficient effort to steer the country out of the current doldrums? Sadly, the answer is “no”. Rival parties are busy preparing themselves to put their opponents down when the next general election is here. Unfortunately, GE14 is not going to resolve our problems or restore public faith.
Similarly, taking to the streets will not change anything.
The objectives of some people’s rally fail to impress others, triggering them to launch another aggressive counter-rally, tearing our society further apart in so doing.
We cannot count on the elections or demonstrations to bring on the magic, but in no way should we allow the current situation to get worse.
This wonderful country needs a moderation force to drive rival camps into consultation in tackling our common problems and identifying constructive solutions.
More importantly, we need a national consensus that transcends all partisan, communal and religious boundaries to pool together the resources of Malaysians to strive towards the common goal for the betterment of our country.
Following the proposal of the National Consultative Council 2 (NCC2) by prominent banker Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, several other prominent Malaysians the likes of AirAsia chief executive Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz have begun to stamp their endorsement.
Only such a high-profile and extra-partisan grouping will come up with truly constructive solutions to fix our problems today while catalysing cooperation between the government and opposition to effectively implement new policies and laws to restore public confidence.