Media Statement Dr. Chen Man Hin in Seremban on Sunday, 27^th March 2008: 

A New Malaysia 

March 8th 2008 was a defining day for Malaysia. The voting results clearly sent out messages by the voters.
The first message indicated that the people want:

‘A new Malaysia with good governance and a new society of racial equality, freedom of speech, religious freedom with equal opportunities in education, employment and imbued with a vision to turn Malaysia to be a liberal modern global nation’

Since March 8th there has been a noticeable difference in society. The people are happier and more optimistic because they feel that change is in the air. They see the changes happening.

The political map has changed. There are now five new states under opposition rule, This is the beginning of a two party system of government, as in advanced countries like Australia, Canada and USA. It is accepted practice in these countries to have states controlled by opposition parties.

The new opposition states have immediately implemented new populist policies like stopping waste of public funds, simple lifestyle for chief minister and mentri besar, ban on application of land by elected DAP MPs and SAs, weeding out corruption and an amnesty of fines for humble traders and hawkers.

The second message which is fundamental and show a radical change in the thinking of Malaysians on politics.

This change was voiced out aptly by Malaysia think-tank director-general Wan Saiful Wam Jian. He said:

"The results indicated the voters had broken the ethnic and religious barriers. Voting no longer based on ethnicity or religion any more.

"Voting also shows we are heading more towards a Malaysia that is suitable for all Malaysians regardless of race and creed as in Perak where the Malays had voted for the DAP and Chinese for PAS…"

This is one message which PM Dato Abdullah and UMNO should take note. UMNO should reform and initiate party reforms and take a multiracial approach in future. Instead of sticking to its Malay agenda, reform and change to a policy of Malaysian agenda which would serve the interests of all Malaysians.

Wan Saiful Wam Jian also hinted that the challenge for political parties was to offer alternative policies which were no longer based on 'defending Malay rights' or 'we're an Islamic country'. The debate should be on who can promote Malaysian rights best and on issues such as improving the school system and hospitals.

Political debates must revolve around policy issues rather than sentiments.

These are the messages of the people who want a change, and from the director general of Malaysia think tank, which UMNO should take heed.

UMNO must be aware that the popular votes of the opposition in peninsular Malaysia are 52% for the opposition whereas only 48% supported Barisan National.

UMNO is no more the top dog in parliament, as it has only 79 MPs compared with the figure of 82 for the opposition coalition of DAP, PKR and PAS. Its old partners MCA and MIC are in tatters. UMNO should eat humble pie and accept the new political reality. It must be prepared to reform its old 'Rip Van Winkle' policies.

The people want a "Malaysian Agenda" not a Malay Agenda to lead the nation to peace, unity and prosperity.

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* Dr. Chen Man Hin, DAP Life Advisor