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DAP Members Invited To Submit Views On Changing Political Scenarios In Malaysia Following Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Release

Speech
-  DAP Bukit Bintang Dinner
by Lim Guan Eng

(Kuala Lumpur, Saturday): DAP members are invited to submit their views to party leaders on the changing political scenarios following Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's release after 6 years in prison. We congratulate Anwar and welcome the end of sufferings endured by him and his family. It remains to be seen whether his release marks the turning of a new page towards democracy, rule of law and an independent judiciary in Malaysia leaving behind us the oppression and repression of the Mahathir regime.

With Anwar's release, there will be political changes for both the government and opposition political parties. Even UMNO is not immune to the Anwar factor when the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi had to take the unusual step of personally assuring UMNO members and leaders that Datuk Seri Anwar would not be allowed back into UMNO.

For the opposition, Anwar's release provides an opportunity to strengthen the opposition to establish a two-party system, an effective and strong opposition to BN. A two-party system is essential towards ensuring a healthy and functioning democracy. And a two-party system can only be established if opposition parties combined can deny BN its 2/3 majority.

However we can not ignore questions as to the type of opposition envisaged where Anwar is expected to play a major role. Concerns have also been expressed by non-Muslims and Muslim alike about DAP co-ooperating with parties wanting to establish an Islamic state.

DAP reiterates our strong opposition to any effort to turn Malaysia into an Islamic state whether from PAS or BN. DAP is willing to co-operate with any party including the government on programmes that benefits the people, but not if such co-operation is directed to or facilitate the establishment an Islamic state. This has been emphasised in the recently concluded 14th National Congress in Ipoh when delegates approved the Kinta Valley Declaration with the theme of "Safeguard Secular Democracy, Take On The Global Challenge".

Any form of co-operation must be predicated not only on secular democracy but also on creating a Malaysian race with justice for all, respect for human rights and accountability. DAP members are encouraged to give their views and can convey views of the public to the party leadership.

Return To The 1957 Social Contract And Restore The Merdeka Constitution

DAP wants Malaysians to refocus on Malaysian Malaysia, a Malaysian consciousness and identity that allows our problems to be resolved from a Malaysian and not a racial perspective. A Malaysian perspective requires that:-

  • the poor be helped regardless of race,
  • schools be built based on educational needs and not what medium of instruction is used,;
  • equal opportunities in education and employment;
  • action against the corrupt regardless of political affiliation; and
  • the nation's wealth distributed fairly to the ordinary rakyat.

A return to the 1957 social contract and a restoration of the Merdeka Constitution which won us our Independence would be a prerequisite for a secular and democratic Malaysia.

(18/9/2004)

* Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General