An admission from PM, now walk the talk

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vox populi small thumbnail 'So PM, you admit the BN government for the past 53 years has not been fair to the non-bumis. We can't buy back time. Don't victimise our next generation.'

 

NEP policies to be reviewed: Najib

KSN: There was really nothing wrong with the New Economic Policy (NEP). Its two policy pillars were eradication of poverty without regard to race and religion and non-identification of occupation with race.

But as everybody knows, that was not what happened on the ground on implementation as the NEP was sabotaged by Umno to the advantage of one race, marginalising the others. Of course, within the Malays, the special privileges were largely granted to cronies, families and friends of the Umno ruling class.

If it was implemented as was agreed, there would have been no grounds for any race to complain. As PM Najib Abdu Razak said, the government has to be fair to the other races - an admission of discrimination and marginalisation of the non-Malays. Social justice was absent in NEP.

That is the crux of the dissatisfaction, frustration, unhappiness, etc, among the non-Malays. Who can blame them? They feel betrayed by the BN government they voted for. That is not too difficult for anyone to understand, including the ultra-Malays like in Perkasa and Dr Mahathir Mohamad, right?

Big Boss: So Mr PM, now you admit that the government under BN for the past 53 years has not been fair to the non-bumiputeras. But most of us who have been victimised are now in our 50s and 60s. We can't buy back time. Don't victimise our next generations. We can't buy back time, but our children and grandchildren are our hopes.

We shall open our eyes big and see what you can do before the next elections, and then we shall decide which way our votes will go to: either to let you and your BN gang remain in power, or put Pakatan Rakyat in Putrajaya.

This is what you can do:

1) Give equal opportunities in higher education, don't reserve the good courses for bumiputeras and place most non-bumiputras to the lousy courses;

2) Give equal business opportunities;

3) Employ more non-bumiputeras in higher and strategic management positions in government and government-linked corporations; and

4) Restore order in the police force and judiciary.

FMOM: Najib, if you are the PM for all Malaysians, then you should not talk in terms of Malays and non-Malays. We are all Malaysians and any plan that you want to present to us, you should say that it is for all Malaysians. But if you keep on saying the same thing as you have been saying up to now, then you are no different from what you have been.

Collin Abraham: It is most encouraging to have Najib take time off during Hari Raya to endorse the review of the NEP towards a more just ideology.

I hope a panel can be appointed at the Sept 17 1Malaysia seminar on 'Living in a Multi-ethnic Society' to draw up a blueprint to make this happen. I also hope that Najib will follow through to ensure that the panel comprise only people, including those affiliated to opposition political parties, who have the capacity and capability.

Sabah-born Wong named Australia's finance minister

Pemerhati: The appointment of Malaysian-born Penny Wong is of particular interest in Malaysia because it exposes and highlights the blatant racism and apartheid-like policies of discrimination practiced by BN and some extremist PAS members, e.g. Dr Hasan Ali, against the minorities.

Compare this appointment with the violent opposition to the appointment of Low Siew Moi as a mere acting head of Selangor's PKNS for one year by MB Khalid Ibrahim. The opposition by these racists was so strong and politically damaging that Khalid had to quickly do an about-turn and replace her with Othman Omar after about four months.

CarL: Please, she is Australian, so do not in anyway associate her with Malaysia or she might not like it. Aussies are very particular about this association with Asia. Oh yes, except football, because they fare better than most Asian teams and love to participate in the Asian Cup and gain an automatic berth in the World Cup through Asia.

Loyal Malaysian: It can only have happened in an enlightened society like Australia's. The PM can look beyond Penny Wong's sexual inclinations and racial origin and appoint her to a post commiserate to her abilities. I can only hope she performs up to expectations!

Mixed views on PKR deputy presidency debate

KJ John: There should be a debate and it can be a moderated one by a ‘HARDTalk-type host', focussing on the way forward for the nation. What are the major hotspots in Malaysia's future? What does each propose to be their way forward if their coalition captures the federal government?

The non-debate or dialogue model is archaic and does not focus on the future of the nation and the potential of younger voters making an intelligent choice. Even the Al-Jazeera guys may do a decent job.

ACoward: Debating? It is a very good idea! It is one thousand percent better than the showing of support by fellow party leaders (Umno culture). If PKR can adopt the debating culture, we will be more convinced that 'reformasi' is their true objective, not just a slogan!

Paul Warren: Why should a debate accentuate divisions within the party? At the end of the day, it is the substance rather than form that would matter. Yes, I want to see what it is that both candidates rely on to even think that they are the right choice for future leadership of the party.

Is it who can issue the knock out blows to thump the other's reputation or who has an agenda for the future of the nation?

Just because one has made enormous sacrifices and has shown loyalty does not necessarily mean that he is primed for leadership. A leader may even come out of the woodworks. Who is going to be our Oliver Cromwell? That is who our nation needs today.

 


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