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Tap the capabilities of the younger elected reps

LETTER | I think all component parties in Pakatan Harapan must face reality. They mustn’t curry favour with each other and pretend nothing has happened.

It is better for each component party to state exactly its anxiety and unhappiness so that everyone is clear with each other. If we allow unhappiness to fester, the coalition may suffer fissures earlier than later.

As a citizen wanting real reforms and good governance for this country, this is my take of Harapan now. Whether we like it or not, there is a perception of uneven power distribution among the component parties within Harapan.

We accept Dr Mahathir Mohamad has played a vital role in the 14th general election but we cannot ignore the fact the bulk of the work was actually done by DAP and PKR young Turks who had not only contributed but also suffered persecution in the past.

Harapan’s victory was actually more than 10 years in the making, not just the last two years. With that in mind, I think Bersatu and Amanah have been more than adequately compensated.

With Mahathir as the PM and so many state menteri besar under Bersatu, I think it is time to appoint the young and the dynamic from DAP and PKR to their rightful places in the cabinet and other positions, including the speaker of the House.

I believe fairness is the best way to keep all the parties united. Fairness is good to keep the different parties on an even keel and to provide built-in checks and balances. When one party dominates, others may feel resentful.

I see a general reluctance to give room for the young to effect genuine reforms that the country badly needs. I see that important and pertinent ministries and positions are still being controlled by “insiders” rather than reformers.

In this regard, may I know why the reinvestigation of Teoh Beng Hock’s death was announced by DAP ministers and not the home affairs minister? What is the reason for this?

We must recognise that Mahathir can only do so much and beyond that he must seek consultation and advice from others. Mahathir needs capable and dynamic MPs appointed as ministers and deputy ministers to assist and advise him. I think it is not difficult for any ordinary Malaysian to spot these capable MPs and state assemblypersons.

In a similar vein, all the reform panels and committees should be led by capable MPs and assemblypersons instead of retired insiders and former government officials. If they are so reform-minded, Malaysia would not have gotten into a big hole in the first place.

Elders with substantive experience can play advisory roles but certainly not calling the shots. We must give the newly elected MPs and assemblypersons the opportunity to decide how they want to move this country forward.

Why elect then if we are going to use the same old people to reform our country?

There will be pent-up frustration if the energy of these young MPs and assemblypersons is not harnessed. I believe they are in better position to suggest and provide recommendations to the government.

This country needs a reboot, not tinkering.


The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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