What the people say
(The Star) – WHATEVER their political leanings, all Malaysians will agree that March 8, 2008, will go down in history as a turning point in Malaysian politics.
The few months that followed were full of optimism with the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat competing to deliver their promise of change. It didn’t take long for the elected representatives to revert to their acrimony against each other.
Recent events show that some politicians have stooped to new lows in their power games. And this is happening while the majority of Malaysians are worrying whether they can put enough food on their table.
Sunday Star spoke to several Malaysians on the significance of March 8, a year on and what their expectations for the future were. These were their responses:
Dr Yeah Kim Leng, Chief Economist of Ratings Agency of Malaysia (RAM)
The initial uncertainty over the takeover at Federal level was destabilising. The risk has much reduced and there is greater comfort at national level. What is unfolding at the state levels is disappointing. The economic impact will be felt without a functioning government and there will be fallout in investor confidence.
MTUC Secretary-General G. Rajasekaran
BN and PR must cut down on the politics and start governing the country. It is time both sides put in place concrete plans to ensure the country withstands the onslaught on the economy.
The Government’s indecisiveness on important basic issues has affected the man in the street and workers, like the hike in the prices of petrol, diesel, water, sugar and toll rates.
Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, 86-year-old Umno veteran
Changes in the political scene has led to too much politicking at the expense of the nation and people’s well being. Politicians must not be totally immersed in their own interests.
Lim Chee Wee, Malaysian BAR secretary
Every other country seems to have concrete plans to get out of trouble but we are so caught up in what is happening in Perak. In any case, let the people decide. You can’t let the judiciary decide because there is a separation of powers.
Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Centre for Policy Initiatives director
The only way for Malaysians to stop our descent into further filthy politics is to read the riot act to such politicians and send them to the longkang (drain) where they rightly belong.
Shariff Shah, sales and marketing director in the hotel industry
It is disheartening to see the politicians fight when the people and businesses are struggling to survive. We need a clear and concise plan for the economy, especially to boost the hospitality and tourism sector in the country.
Tan Sri Robert Phang, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation exco member
The crime rate has gone up, especially with the economic problems that we are facing. The police need to be allowed to do their job which is fighting crime, instead of geting distracted by political issues.
N. Surendran, human rights lawyer
People are more aware of political matters and their rights. They also believe they can actually influence the course the nation will take. Sure, there have been some snags and shortcomings, but this past one year has been a maturing process, albeit a rapid one, for Malaysia as a political nation. I think it is a big progress.
Ahmad Naim, programmer
I am from Taiping, Perak, and I am disappointed with what’s going on. To me, it seems that there is no MB at the moment and no one to make decisions. If they really love the state, one side should back down. The best solution though would be if fresh elections are held.
