'Turn BN into a multi-racial party'

Gerakan Youth has urged BN to reconsider the proposal to merge all the 13 component parties into one party that represents the various races.

Youth chief Lim Si Pin said the proposal was submitted by former Gerakan Youth chief Mah Siew Keong but it had “fallen on deaf ears”.

“This proposal was rejected by the component parties leaders on grounds that it is not practical and that time has not come for us to change,” said Lim.

“If time has not come for us to change, when are we to embrace change? Will we have to wait until BN loses at the hands of Pakatan Rakyat before we begin exploring this avenue,” he said when addressing the 22nd Youth conference today.

“Once again, I want to affirm that there is no better time than now to expand our hearts and adopt the idea to turn the coalition from a mono-racial party to a multi-racial party,” said Lim.

Lim, who is son of former party president Keng Yaik ( below ), also suggested that the BN Youth movement creates a special task force to research ways for BN to move towards multi-racialism.

“I hope the BN Youth, which is currently under the leadership Khairy Jamaluddin, will not take this suggestion lightly but instead prepare to explore the possibility of the existence of a united party,” he said.

Moreover, Lim also took the opportunity to criticise several controversial Acts in his maiden speech as Youth chief including the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA).

“The PPPA has lost its relevance with the widespread use of the Internet, which allows borderless communication so much so that blogs and Facebook (social networking portal) has become the main media rather than print media,” he added.

Lim also lauded the Auditor-General's report for exposing corruption and the financial mismanagement of many government agencies.

Qualification not 'kulitfication'

Meanwhile, Wanita chief Tan Lian Hoe called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to show his sincerity and honesty in implementing policies under the '1Malaysia' concept based on meritocracy.

“People First, Performance Now' (must be implemented) based on one's qualification and not 'kulitfication' (skin colour),” said Tan, adding that this was important to ensure progress and prosperity.

Speaking at the Gerakan Wanita’s 22nd annual general meeting, Tan hoped that the promises made will be implemented justly and without racial discrimination, and are not just “hollow words”.

Moreover, she said that the people have placed their hopes on the premier to ensure effective implementation of the policies.

“If we miscalculate, we will have to bear the brunt and destruction in the upcoming election,” she added.

She also spoke on the need to embrace change to win back people's support. Tan asked all parties to avoid negativity, including “extremism based on racism and supremacy”.

She added that BN should not be too proud of the victory in the recent Bagan Pinang by-election as the coalition has lost seven by-elections to the opposition prior to Oct 11.

“However, the victory in Bagan Pinang showed that the people want representatives that are people orientated,” said Tan.