We Are Ready To Govern

My Malaysian Sisters and Brothers,

The time for change has come. In November 2008, Americans will vote a new President into office. In matter of 17 days, we will be asked to decide whether candidate (he is no longer Prime Minister when the Agong dissolved Parliament) Abdullah Badawi and his UMNO-BN cohorts should be given another 5 years to govern our country.

I personally dread the thought of having his moribund leadership for our country for the next 5 years. I do not know, for example, how many more corridors will be opened for the benefit of his family and cronies. How much the Minister of Defence will earn in commissions from purchases of military hardware and how many more scandals like the famous “Correct Correct Correct” will surface.

I am uncertain whether he will have the strength of character, and the stamina to lead our country if another economic crisis hits our shores in 2008-2009. I am extremely concerned today about the rising crime rate (and corruption in the Royal Malaysian Police), rampant corruption, steep decline in the quality of our education and the state of our universities, and inflation. I am hopeful that change is possible in Malaysia since change has already come to Pakistan — Cuba too.

Last Sunday(February 17, 2008) Pakistan held elections after many years of strong man rule. The people of Pakistan have made their choice; some have lost their lives; many others were hurt. But they have exercised their democratic right to elect a government of their choice. To them, I say congratulations and wish them all the very best. Even their President, General Pervez Musharraf respects and recognises their choice and now he appeals to them for reconciliation. People power wins again.

On March 8, 2008, we, Malaysians, will be called upon to choose a government that we want to govern and lead us. Rationally, it will be a political party that is truly democratic, open and transparent in matters of government with a dynamic leader and an experienced like Anwar Ibrahim who can lead us into an era of prosperity, peace and harmony.

Parti KeADILan and its associates are ready to assume this heavy responsibility because we have the vision, ideas, programmes and grit to bring back dignity and honour to our blessed country. Over the last 4 years, we have witnessed incompetence, racial polarisation, mounting religious tensions, corruption and economic mismanagement. We can reverse this secular downward slide, given our support. —Din Merican