You have got to admire the wisdom and determination of PR and its leaders. Buckle up and strap on, cuz it's a long (but worthwhile) read.
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JAN 17, 2010 — When I first took over as DAP Secretary-General in 2004, my
colleagues and I were determined to lead a party that aspires not to
be in perennial opposition but to be in government. A political party
that has no aspirations for political power to implement programmes
beneficial to the people has no right to exist.
When
DAP first put forth this vision in 2005 on being a full partner in
power within 10 years, few shared our hopes. But we had pinned our
hopes on ordinary Malaysians yearning for change. DAP had persevered
since 1966 due to our faith in Malaysians whether Muslims or
non-Muslims wanting a fair deal, live in peace and harmony, prosper
together and their children to grow up in a better world than they
lived in.
DAP
leaders had laboured through those painful years of legal prosecution
and political persecution bound by our ideals in a Malaysian nation
for all and our faith in the people. Many felt our struggle futile
because they lost faith in the people sharing these ideals and wanting
a better Malaysia.
But the real and tough leaders and members in the DAP never lost hope.
The
political tsunami that was the 2008 general elections changed
everything. No one expected change to happen so fast. The people have
put their faith in us and we must repay their trust in us.
Inexperienced though we were, we learned how to govern and we believe
that Pakatan Rakyat has governed better in these two years than BN has
in the last 20 years.
For
instance in Perak, land is given free to the people regardless of
race. In Penang hard-core poverty has been abolished in one year what
BN could not do in 51 years. In Selangor water is given free. In all
states money is handed back to the people and Chinese, Tamil,
missionary and Islamic religious schools receive yearly allocations
for the first time in their lives. The Pakatan Rakyat states are run
cleanly with praise from the 2008 Auditor-General Report for our
budget surpluses and proper financial management with Penang even
praised by Transparency International. We even cater for the future
generation by leading the fight against climate change through our
initiative to reduce plastic bag consumption, the first in Malaysia.
There is no hate and fear only goodwill and compassion.
Truly,
the people in these Pakatan Rakyat states can see, can touch and can
feel that we are better off than under BN. And a Pakatan Rakyat
leadership that is not out to prove that we as leaders can perform
better than you, but wants to give everyone the opportunity to perform
better than us. We are still learning and will get better as long as
we hold fast to our principles and the lessons learnt.
We
have been steadfast in pursuing reforms through upholding principles
of integrity in leadership and democratic governance centered on
freedom, justice, truth, people’s welfare and adherence to religious
values. These principles must be our guiding posts and milestones of
progress and success. We can compromise on the means but never the
ends.
But mouthing good intentions is not enough if we can not translate
these principles into action and results.
The
lessons learnt is the necessity of continuously listening to the
people, to show leadership by example, being humble and not fearing to
admit mistakes made, the urgent need to reform the civil service to be
efficient and accountable and to be Malaysian First. We want no part
of the extremist fringes with pronouncements and positions that
frightens off any decent Malaysian. We must occupy the electoral
centre that is diverse and united, moderate and sensible, consistent
and relevant to ordinary Malaysians. We must become Middle Malaysia.
Middle
Malaysia prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of
confrontation and an inclusive shared society rather than an exclusive
separate society. A shared society is one that celebrates diversity
and assures everyone a place in society by guaranteeing:-
• democratic participation,
• respect for diversity and human dignity,
• respect for diversity and human dignity,
• offering equal opportunity; and
• protection from discrimination.
• protection from discrimination.
Middle
Malaysia belongs to every Malaysian. Unlike Umno Malaysia, in Middle
Malaysia the content of our character is more important than the
colour of our skin. Unlike BN’s Malaysia, in Middle Malaysia we look
at each other as brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers and as sons
and daughters of Malaysia. Unlike Crony Malaysia, Middle Malaysia
respects and celebrates you with the firm belief that Malaysia’s
wealth, opportunities and resources belongs to all Malaysians.
When
Penang put up bilingual signboards in Bahasa Malaysia as the prominent
language with either Arabic, Mandarin, Tamil and English in 2008, the
extremists in BN opposed it. But this was eventually accepted as
reflection of our multi-racial, multi-cultural and international image
we see ourselves.
Malays have no problems with bilingual road signs just as a 100 per
cent Chinese area is comfortable with Arabic road signs. This is the
Middle Malaysia where we protect each other because we belong to each
other.
DAP
restates that whilst we uphold freedom of religion, we respect Islam
as the religion of the federation. That is why the Pakatan Rakyat
government in Penang has almost doubled the 2010 Budget allocation for
Islam to RM 24.3 million compared with the RM 12.5 million under the
2008 BN Budget.
(2009 PR Budget RM 20.5 million).
DAP
reiterates our condemnation and repugnance at the attacks on not just
churches in Malaysia but all places of religious worship including
mosques or temples. A religious matter must never be allowed to spiral
out of control due to selfish political calculations. We condemn
irresponsible parties for mixing religion with politics in an attempt
to regain lost support amongst Malays and Muslims.
The
latest suggestion by BN to resolve the crisis by restricting the word
“Allah” to East Malaysia has made a mockery of 1Malaysia and mirrored
the irresponsible political calculations. The authorities must bear
full responsibility for mismanaging the controversy which has
developed into a full blown crisis that has shamed Malaysia
internationally.
We
are not a nation at war with itself. What we are witnessing is Umno is
at war with the values that stand for openness, logical reasoning and
mutual respect. When BN talks of international benchmarks, questions
are raised as to why the global Islamic practice from Middle-East to
Indonesia allowing Christians’ usage of the word “Allah”, not
applicable in Malaysia. DAP does not deny the sensitivity of this
issue, but resolution of this dispute is not through confrontation but
consultation and not by force but by negotiations.
For
this reason, DAP is proud of the principled stand taken by our allies
in Pakatan Rakyat, especially PAS and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that
that Christians across Malaysia are allowed to use the term ‘Allah’, a
universal term for God in the Middle East for adherents of the
Abrahamic faiths, on condition that it is not abused to confuse
Muslims. PR is consistent where BN is expedient. This is what PR’s
Middle Malaysia is all about, both tolerant and mutual respect as
compared to BN’s Extremist Malaysia that frightens everyone with
intolerance and fear.
BN’s
Illegal Power Grab In Perak And Teoh Beng Hock’s Death.Since the 15th
National Congress on 23rd August 2008 and this Conference two
significant events have brought blood, sweat, tears, and, hopefully,
strengths at the end of the tunnel.
One,
Sdr. Teoh Beng Hock’s death will forever be the most sorrowful moment
in DAP’s history; we will seek justice for him, whatever it takes, and
we will never forget Beng Hock. We have established a fund for his
child and rest assured that his child will have full educational
opportunities. Because of his memory, we will continue to speak up for
truth and justice fearlessly even at the risk of wrongful persecution
and arrest.
Two,
the despicable, undemocratic and illegal power grab in Perak saddened
us but also strengthened our resolve to fight for democracy and
justice. DAP reiterates our stand for the dissolution of the Perak
State Assembly to return power of the people to elect their Menteri
Besar and Excos. Until then, the rightful Menteri Besar and Excos as
well as the brave Speaker are those chosen by the people of Perak in
the
2008 general elections.
In
the meantime, comrades, including National Chairman, National
Organising Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, Members of
Parliament and State Assemblies and various national, state and branch
leaders and members, have been arrested, investigated, charged and
persecuted or facing such risks; we declare our unwavering support for
them;
ACHIEVEMENTSOver
the past year, DAP has taken the lead in many issues afflicting
Malaysia, and has successfully campaigned for actions to be taken. Our
Parliamentary Leader Sdr Lim Kit Siang’s persistence and effort
ramping up the pressure on the Government to reveal the truth on the
RM12.5 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal since 2007 has
resulted an audit report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, an extensive
Public Accounts Committee investigation and several parties charged in
court for abuse of power and falsifying of accounting documents. It
has been made known by the Government that more personalities will be
charged for crimes relating to the PKFZ scandal.
DAP
has also launched our anti-ISA campaign which successfully pressured
the government into releasing our comrades Sdr M Manoharan and Sdr V
Ganabathirao, Hindraf leaders as well as other ISA detainees. We
applaud their courage.
The
party has been at the forefront in providing constructive proposals to
resolve long outstanding national issues. In early 2009, DAP submitted
a in-depth, cost-effective and viable proposal to buy-back toll
concessionaires who have been making excessive profits at the expense
of the rakyat after the Government declassified these concession
agreements. DAP also launched its own 2010 Alternative Budget which
sought to revitalise and transform Malaysia’s economic foundation, and
revive our economic growth and fulfill our potentials.
We
believe that focusing on a knowledge-intensive and high-technology
industry is the basis of a successful transformation into a
high-income economy by 2020 with a per capita income of US$15,000
(RM50,100) from the present US$7,000. The two key areas are economic
efficiency with open tenders and a merit-needs based education system
to encourage excellence, with emphasis on science and technology, so
as train, retain and attract new talents.
There is a dire need to stop the brain drain to our neighbouring
countries. For instance the top student in Singapore for the last two
years are Malaysians. Without our best talent, Malaysia is doomed to
fail while with our best talent returning home, we have a chance of
success.
It is
not surprising why Malaysia is stuck in a low skill, low productivity
and low wage toxic mix. According to a World Bank report, only 25 per
cent of our labour force is engaged in skilled work. 60 per cent of
Malaysian families live with a monthly household income of less than
RM 3,000. Skilled Malaysians are voting with their feet while we feed
a huge unskilled foreign labour population.
At
the same time, the national budget ballooned thrice over the last
decade, operational expenditure nearly doubled in the last five years.
The federal civil service increased by a third in the same period from
less than 900,000 to nearly
1.3 million personnel.
Yet
the rise of public spending unfortunately coincided with a visible
decline of the provision of public goods and services, among which the
rapid deterioration of public safety, the decline in the quality of
education and healthcare, and the shocking shoddiness of public works
threaten the lives of Malaysians and the future of the country.
Corruption,
cronyism, collusions and outright stealing epitomised by the lost of
the two fighter jet engines and many other instances are rampant and
beyond rescue. The wealth of our nation, especially in the form of
petroleum, has been depleted like no body’s business. Privatisation
has gone awry long ago and continues to haunt Malaysians.
Decades
of bigotry, racism, and religious intolerance have come home to roost
when Malaysia should have been the international model for
multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religion coexistence,
tolerance, mutual respect and understanding.
The
only response the government-of-the-day could provide is a series of
cosmetic initiatives dubbed National Key Result Areas and Key
Performance Indexes with no political will at all to ask the hard
question of structural reform that takes into consideration the global
shift and the yearning of vast Malaysians for a freer, more democratic
and equitable society with clean government.
MUAFAKAT
TRANSFORMASI MALAYSIAIn
short, Malaysia is waiting for a profound change but there is a
leadership vacuum. Together with our partners in Pakatan Rakyat, it is
our responsibility and obligation to Malaysians of this generation and
also those yet to vote and yet to be born to answer the call for
leadership for real change and reform. Let us reiterate our commitment
to the consolidation of Pakatan Rakyat to provide a viable alternative
to Barisan Nasional and form the next Federal Government based on
Pakatan Rakyat’s Common Policy Framework “Muafakat Rakyat”.
We
must be able to bring substantive reforms to the states that we
govern, quickly. Our performance, or the lack of it, in the states
will either be held against us or propel us to national power. We must
go beyond cosmetic change.
We
must not just be the default choice of the voters merely because our
traditional opponents are destroying themselves by the day in
infighting. We must be the compelling attraction that the voters
coalesce around.
After
the jubilation of the March 2008 general elections, the Party has
gotten down to work with our new coalition partners and today we have
successfully forged stronger bonds with our Pakatan Rakyat partners.
Our determination to prove the skeptics wrong, and that the new
coalition is able to withstand any internal differences plus attacks
by Barisan Nasional has culminated in the recently concluded inaugural
Pakatan Rakyat Convention where the Common Policy Framework was
successfully launched.
It is
crucial to note that there is only one middle ground in Malaysian
politics, and it is the middle ground that matters. Make no mistake
that tMiddle Malaysia will decide which coalition will govern next.
To
embrace Middle Malaysia, Pakatan Rakyat must be seen as moderate and
inclusive and distance and differentiate ourselves from our exclusive,
racist, extremist opponents.
The
DAP stresses that true national unity can only be achieved if the
nation practices the spirit of MALAYSIAN FIRST which professes common
universal values of democracy, freedom, justice, integrity and human
dignity and provides for equal opportunity for all, that ends
divisions based on race, religion, creed and gender, and that unites
all Malaysians to face the rapidly changing world as one people. We
urge all Pakatan Rakyat parties to pursue steadfastly a new muafakat
amongst Malaysians to herald a second nation-building process
We
also express concern that Malaysian citizens in Sabah and Sarawak have
been marginalized and left behind in most aspects and vow to bridge
the gap between the two sides of the South China Sea and improve the
wellbeing of all;
THE
NEXT 18 MONTHSThe
next general election is likely to happen within the next 18 months
and it is also possible that state-wide elections will be called in
Sarawak and Perak. The stakes are high.
The results of these elections will decide the fate of our beloved
nation for the next decade and the next generation.
We
must, therefore, be fully prepared so that we do not squander the last
opportunity for real change in Malaysia, so that we do not blame
ourselves in the future, or our children do not fault us for not
trying hard enough. It is hereby directed that leaders and members at
all levels of the party must gear up in preparation for the next
general election and the possible state-wide elections in Sarawak and
Perak.
Since
the last National Congress, DAP has continue to grow by leaps and
bounds, with the number of members increasing by more than 50 per cent
and the number of registered branches hitting a record of 700. The
party is committed to recruiting more members who firmly believe in
our social democratic principles as well as those who can help us
implement our vision of a competent, accountable and transparent
government administration.
In
order to strengthen the party’s machinery, leaders and members at all
levels are directed to strengthen the party’s organisation at the
parliamentary level so that we have stronger units to face the battles
that will shape Malaysia’s future.
DAP
leaders, elected representatives and appointed officials in the
various state authorities that Pakatan Rakyat governs must also
constantly be cognizant of the party’s ideology, platforms, visions
and missions, as well as programmes in their quest to bring
substantive change to the country through the mandate given to them,
and to be reminded to meet the high expectations of the voters.
Remember
that DAP will never win alone. We nearly won all seats in Negeri
Sembilan but still unable to govern. We need to win as a coalition; as
a full partner in power together.
It
goes without saying that we would expect our coalition partners to
understand our platforms and build and expand our common grounds. More
importantly, together we must constantly remind ourselves that it is
the wishes of the Middle Malaysia that matters.
While
we are nothing without our hardcore supporters staying with us, rain
or shine, we now appeal to you to join us on this extraordinary
journey of changing the federal government that requires further
sacrifices, perseverance, and understanding.
We
know that state governments that we are in power will be the benchmark
for our ability to deliver on our promises. We will strive to fulfil
high expectations so that our comrades in other states have an
opportunity to win power. But the biggest objective of all is still
Putrajaya.
For
what we are attempting to do is nothing short of historic — to
establish the first people-oriented government that places its faith
in our people, truly Malaysian in spirit where Malay leaders look
after Chinese, Indian leaders look after Malays, Chinese leaders look
after Ibans and Iban leaders look after Kadazan and Kadazans look
after Indians, that the people can learn to trust that this PR
government has not only their best interests at heart but also the
future generation of born and unborn grandchildren.
Speech
By DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng During The 15th DAP National
Conference In Ipoh on 17thJanuary 2010.
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