If one were to study the tenets of the Rukunegara or for that matter Vision 2020 and even the visionary ideas expressed in outlining Islam Hadhari, no one can fault us for lack of visions and ideas. The concerns, the principles and the directions are well spelt-out.

However, where we lack energy and courage is to implement these ideas. One wonders why the Rukunegara is not at all referred to these days. On the basis of the Rukunegara itself, we can draw out principles and laws that meet the needs of our plural society.

We seem to be a society that specialises in outlining ideas but lack the capacity to translate this into positive attitudes and laws. When it come to the crunch, there is abdication at the levels of the legislature and the executive. When the judicature also follows suit, then we have a total collapse of the social contract.

At the end of the day, we are all human beings and a sense of humanity must prevail, backed by our laws and systems. As the prime minister has himself indicated that he is the PM for all Malaysians, then he should come out to give a principled universal position in keeping with Islam Hadhari.

Everyone can talk about their ideals but living by them calls for a game plan that mirrors openness, transparency and discipline. The time has come for Malaysians to put their ideals to work and to stand up and be counted for it.