Cast votes wisely for our kids and future generations

THE guessing game will soon be over. Some 13 million voters are expected to go to the polls to exercise their right to elect a government that will serve them for a term of five years at the 13th general election.

Democracy in Malaysia is very much alive.

Being deeply involved in the trade union movement for more than three decades, we have stood steadfastly together regardless of race, religion, colour, creed or sex.

As such, I am saddened that there are politicians in certain quarters who have made use of these issues, forgetting the bitter lessons of May 13, 1969.

The call by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to politicians and others not to sow the seeds of hatred among the younger generation is timely.

Politicians and others must avoid ethnic polarisation, which is a dangerous development in a country such as ours. Instead, they should generate, spread and sustain goodwill and understanding among the component racial groups in the country, and foster strong national unity for peace, prosperity and happiness of its citizens.

It is the right of everyone to live in a society where there is self-respect, dignity and the right to build a future for their children and future generations. Such a future would need to be earned justly and through hard work compensated fairly and equitably.

The emancipation of women is equally important for the progress of a nation. Their contributions to home, family and work need to be lauded. Having children and bringing them up is a matter which society owes to women as it is through their efforts that society regenerates itself and grows to higher levels of achievement. Society owes it to women to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by this responsibility but must make full use of their capabilities without discrimination.

Let me touch on human rights, which have been much talked about. While we need to improve our record of human rights and the abuses, we still enjoy many blessings which other nations have not been so lucky to have. We should not take these blessings for granted, but work to preserve and improve them.

Our shores are an attractive point for those who seek employment at all levels from unskilled labour to technical experts, high skilled knowledge workers and expatriate management.
Multinationals choose to come to Malaysia for its myriad of benefits, including a conducive environment for business, production, and research and development.

Much of these elements have been fostered by a government sector which has improved in leaps and bounds in these last two decades under the leadership of former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Malaysia's competitiveness and growth owes much to the hard work and leadership of the various government departments, ministries and their ministers representing them.

Lest we forget, only in 1997, our currency and stock market was the target of speculation and predatory dumping along with the other economies of South East Asia and South Korea.

Most acknowledged that Malaysia, through drastic and controversial actions to protect the ringgit taken by Dr Mahathir and his team of economic advisers, managed to steer the nation back on an even keel and was the first to emerge out of the crises in 2000.

The action to take out of circulation the foreign trading of the ringgit and peg it at RM3.80 to the US dollar was not a textbook remedy.

Yet as a nation, we forged our own path. Later generations of leadership at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank conceded that the actions by Malaysia did in fact contribute to a more stable economy and its speedy recovery. The people of Asia found renewed strength and conviction that the Western way was not the only way.

The lot of the government sector has also improved in tandem with the strides in progress of the country. Government servants and their dependents enjoy a host of benefits, including free or heavily subsidised healthcare right until retirement age.

Today, we are under the Government Transformation Programme instituted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

New ideas, some bold, seek to forge a better future for all. Malaysia has managed to withstand the rise of its Asian neighbours and continues to attract investments and enjoy progress but one must never forget that what has been achieved is fragile.

There are those who hide in the fold of the various opposing forces that form the landscape of the Malaysian political divide, espousing outmoded ideas and resisting the necessary changes.

While it is their right as leaders to espouse their ideas and give shape to their agendas, the ruling coalition and opposition must never justify their political agendas at whatever the cost.

They must never forget the higher ideal of a peaceful, harmonious and safe home for all Malaysians and its guests. Those who seek to lead must lead by example. If they claim to be ever willing to sacrifice for the people and nation, let them display it by first sacrificing their personal goals and seek to serve the nation and not enrich themselves at its expense. Let us be wise to those who seek to deceive us with their promises given lightly during election time.

Ours is a responsibility to choose wisely, for our children and theirs depend on it. Najib fulfils all the promises with trust.

As Malaysian citizens we should give our undivided and loyal support and give him a strong mandate so he can continue effectively with his transformation programmes for the benefit of the nation.


Read more: ELECTIONS: Cast votes wisely for our kids and future generations - Letters to the Editor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/elections-cast-votes-wisely-for-our-kids-and-future-generations-1.221359#ixzz2Lgrphq9p