Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
– Chinese proverb
Weaklings and weak-links in government need early retirement. They are nothing but moral, ethical, social, political and economic hazards. The existing evidence is overwhelming as if with the tacit acquiescence of the Madani regime.
Government’s primary function, under the rule of law, is to promote the well-being, progress and advancement of the nation through the collective efforts of every denizen, citizen and resident via public and private sector initiatives.
“Government of the people and by the people” should suffice. This will put the people as the first priority, not elected “government for the people” with its unwelcome and uncomfortable connotations.
Recently, the Education Ministry declared a tryst with the Taliban-led Afghanistan education authorities to share commonalities. Is this a wise move? It’s certainly a weakening moment of policy-making.
First it was the Palestinian plight, and now the shifting of gears for the Taliban education system. Does it augur well for Malaysia in a global context: Is this “Ihsan (Compassion) entrenched in MADANI?
PMX reportedly calling for Israel’s expulsion from the United Nations is another questionable antic given the recent results of the American elections. Are we ready to create hostility with the Americans? Is this “horMat” (Respect) encapsulated in MADANI?
Our foreign reserves are said to be in United States dollars. Bank Negara Malaysia recently announced that the international reserves amounted to USD119.7 billion as at September 30 2024. Is this Daya cipta (Innovation) contemplated in MADANI?
What if the new Trump-led government decides to freeze the Malaysian international reserves for say one year to make us rethink the Taliban collaboration? The basket of currencies can be weaponised. Is this keMampanan (Sustainability) lobbied in MADANI?
PMX must introduce policies that provide for the attainment of excellence in government and governance. It has been suggested that an Attitude Adjustment Agency (AAA) would greatly help in the awakening. This augurs well for keyakiNan (Trust) embodied in MADANI.
The AAA should be structured so as to reel and rein in government wastage of public funds to attain kesejAhteraan (Prosperity), the final component in MADANI for the nation’s well-being.
Lao Tzu taught that a “a great nation is like a great man: when he makes a mistake, he realises it. Having realised it, he admits it; and having admitted it, he corrects it.”
Where are our course corrections after winning an election promising a safe and secure economy, and an end to racism and race relations as envisioned and promised?
The most important dragnet Malaysia needs is serious constitutional amendments with all eyes on the Conference of Rulers that offers a fourth branch of government if Article 38 Federal Constitution is correctly explained and applied.
Interpretations and translations aside, Article 38 puts the government on notice and serves as a reliable guardian on national policy; religion; legislation; Special Court; granting pardons, reprieves and respites.
And the provisions of Article 153 Federal Constitution are very clear about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s responsibility to safeguard all citizens despite the weaklings and weak-links in government acting otherwise.
Truth be told, the only ones who attempt lese majeste are the government actors who articulate ideas without putting their minds into gear. Especially those errant and irresponsible ones sprouting unfounded opinions about the constitutional power to pardon.
And this perennial falsehood that Royalty should not indulge in, or get enmeshed or involved in politics is so ludicrous that only intellectually weak and deformed leaders are qualified to sprout such drivel. And there are plenty of half-baked-third-rate “experts” advancing this rubbish without the fortitude for constitutional amendments
Anyone engaged in applying the Federal Constitution would know the power and authority Malaysian Royalty wields despite the sword of Damocles on Article 183. Only the YDPA has the power to Proclaim an Emergency (Article 150), not the prime minister.
Article 182(2) is so badly written that it contradicts Article 181(1) bringing rex non potest peccare (the King can do no wrong) into disrepute. Dubious or wrong advice to the YDPA (Article 43 Federal Constitution) will weaken, not awaken, the nation.
The apple-polishing advisors to this constitutional amendment to “clip the wings’ of Malaysian Royalty was courting lunacy in 1993. The ceremonial, official, and personal capacities of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and other Rulers, repose in the Conference of Rulers. That is our (Eastminster) adat.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself,” said John Dewey, the American pioneer of education reform. Malaysia needs gradual but total awakening with a refurbished education system. PMX must address this pivotal issue.
Tomorrow’s leaders receiving present-day education will certainly be ill-prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. These potential leaders cannot awaken the status quo but be dedicated to weakening it.
Is the MADANI government so pre-occupied with other issues that education is now posing as a primer and paragon of excellence to aspire for a Taliban collaboration? This is disgusting.
Weaklings and weak-links must go, The KPI is ineffective. Reformasi required. PMX must encourage a reward for the Best Policy Idea of the month contest to awaken unlimited potential in the workforce.
Robert Musli reminds us that “it is reality that awakens possibilities, and nothing would be more perverse than to deny it.” Reality assails all Malaysians every day.
Possibilities for genuine and measurable Reformasi are screaming at us every day. Government should not take vacations.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
