Let the people of Malaysia and the world have peace and happiness
2004 Chinese New Year
Message
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw
(Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday):
The year of the Goat saw USA invaded Iraq and continual suicide
bombings in the Middle East and other areas of the world. The earth was in
turmoil. There were earthquakes. Sars made people unhappy. Unbalanced US
budget and gigantic external debt pose as the sword of Democles over the
world economy.
Leaders come and go. Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi replaces Tun Dr
Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister. We hope he creates a breath of fresh
air, including a more open media policy, consistent with the need of
multimedia. Setting up an independent Royal Commission on the police so that
the force can attain world-class standard is a workable step. Practice must
follow rhetoric.
Besides dedicated and honest civil servants, many places show corruption.
Dato' Seri Abdullah has initiated several measures such as postponing the
massive double-tracking railway project. Malaysians keep an eye on them.
Corruption is complicated. One of the factors is monetary political culture.
Any anti-corruption drive must include a change in the political culture.
China and India continue to open up their economies, affecting regional and
world economy. In the next 10, 20 years or more, China becomes the
manufacturing centre of the globe. The Prime Minister must provide
information and opportunities so that Malaysians can fit into the niche for
economic development.
The Government must create equal opportunities for education for all races,
abolish the quota system and implement the policy of merit and need. Define
meritocracy.
In the multi-religious society, Malaysians should never allow the
establishment of an Islamic State. This is the quintessence of the Federal
Constitution. There is no such thing as Umno Islamic State, or Pas Islamic
State, or extremist Islamic State or moderate Islamic State. Islamic State
is Islamic State based on the Koran.
(20/1/2004)
* Dr Tan Seng Giaw,
DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Kepong
|
http://dapmalaysia.org