April 3, 2009. A Friday. The appointed day has come, the day appointed by destiny. Najib Abdul Razak was sworn in as the sixth prime minister of Malaysia. A new star rises. A new hope comes into being.

PM Najib’s new battle is ‘One Malaysia’. ‘People First, Performance Now’ is his new slogan. One Malaysia- the thrust of Najib’s new administration hinges on bringing everyone together regardless of ethnic background, religion, generation as well as territory into his vision for a new economy, politics and direction of the government.

The nation needs a strong creative leadership. Malaysians need more from the PM than just cries of indignation and rebuke. The time is too grave. The challenge too urgent. The stakes too high to permit the customary passions of political rhetoric and debate.

After March 8, 2008, the political landscape has changed. The old era ended. The old ways will not do.

It is time for us to gaze further into our future to set dreams and aspirations. The kind of people we will be, the heights to which our people will scale. The present is definitely not enough. We need an approach that can propel us forward, rooted in our tolerant and just societal ethos. To me, Najib may be our answer.

However, our country must remain united. Our society must remain equitable, infused with the spirit of togetherness and power-sharing. We must build a nation that enriches every citizen regardless of race and belief.

We must all embrace a shared vision so it is right and just that everything in the country should be shared equitably. Malaysia needs to get out of the stranglehold of arrogant and rent-seeking politicians. We must wake up to the fact that the non-Malays are here to stay. The non-Malays are not birds of passage. Malaysia is their only home, where they were born, grew up, schooled, making a living, raised families, and will die.

Certainly they are not going to balik Cina, India or lain-lain tempat. They had fought alongside the Malays for independence, contributed to the economical development, help raised the Malaysia flag through sports and on Mount Everest, made a name in international fashion, movies, literature identifying themselves as Malaysians.

This is not a time for petty and destructive criticisms, not a time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the modern equitable Malaysia where all her children will dwell.

It is time, in short, for Najib and a new generation of leaders to move us forward. New men to cope with new problems and opportunities. A peaceful revolution of the political mindset demanding an end to racial discrimination.

All over the world, like Obama in the US, young men are coming to power. Men who are not bound by the traditions of the past. Men who are not blinded by the old fears, hate and rivalries. Young men who can cast off the old slogans, delusions and suspicions.

For Umno, the torch has passed to a new generation under Najib. For MCA, it is Tee Keat. Good conscience is their only sure reward. History will be the final judge of their deeds.

Politics is unforgiving, and venturing into its murky waters is not easy for anyone. Birth may have given Najib a head start. Najib has been through it all. He has weathered through the worst economic and political storms. He has emerged stronger and more determined as ever.

Like all great men, he has had his critics and even enemies. But his moral courage and convictions have seen him through even the darkest day.

Najib as a politician has dedicated 32 years of his life for his country. He is committed to the goal of improving the condition of his country and its people. He is a man of vision and faith.

At this stage of Malaysia’s development, he believes more strongly in the capabilities of the Malaysian people than perhaps they currently do themselves. He has a formidable strength of character.

With his innovativeness and questioning mind. I am confident he is capable of shaking the Malaysian minds out of the present inward-looking cloistered euphoria. Superficial changes are not sufficient; Substantive changes are required to pursue an inclusive multiracial future.

The BN government must be a government with a heart for all its citizens irrespective of ethnic origins. With a heart, we will find creativity of the human spirit.

The rules have got to change. We need a radical alternative that puts people before anything else. We must start measuring success differently- against how much we can enhance human beings.

This is a moment to seize. The caring, educating and loving work that we all know needs doing. The success of this work is the real bottom line.

No matter what we’re told or cajoled to do, we must work together to achieve the best. We must mould Malaysia into a kinder and more loving shape. Malaysians should rise according to merit not birth - that is the test of any decent society. However, we must remain compassionate and committed in helping the poor and the weak.

The component BN parties’ self interest and our mutual national interest are today inextricably woven together. It must be founded on equal worth of all. Power, wealth, opportunity must be in the hands of many, not the few.

Admittedly, values aren’t enough. Out policies will only succeed when the realism is as clear as our idealism. We have to walk the talk.

Najib has seize this moment with his ‘One Malaysia’ slogan. The kaleidoscope has been shaken. The pieces are in flux. Soon they will settle again. Before they do, let us re-order the Malaysia around us.

Let us, all Malaysians, write this chapter in our nation’s story together.

In the interim, Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, our beloved prime minister- our heartiest congratulations to you, sir, are in order. May God continue to guide and bless you abundantly.