KLANG — The upcoming state elections on Saturday could spring some “pleasant surprises” if fence-sitting voters turned up and voted for the PH-BN alliance, said Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar.
Speaking to Scoop, recently, the former Land, Water and Natural Resources minister said the introduction of the Malaysia Madani concept and the subsequent Ekonomi Madani policy by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to put Malaysia in the correct trajectory in the next ten years.
“For it to be implemented successfully however, everyone has got to work together, one has to have both the state and federal government in sync, to reciprocate each other and help each other and make the concept work.
“It would be better if voters for the state elections elect a state government which is aligned to the federal government,” he said.
Explaining his rationale, the former Kuala Langat MP said any national policy or concept needs at least between five to 10 years of uninterrupted governance for subsequent results to bear fruit.
“When Anwar introduced these concepts, it was akin to throwing a gauntlet upon us. What is it that we want to do? What is it that we want to achieve? Do we allow political instability to cloud our country’s direction?
“We cannot continue to debate on the rhetorics involving the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty) and allow political instability to permeate, it is what it is and all Malaysians have to respect that. It’s time to move on and allow the country to grow and progress,” he said.
When asked about criticisms behind the unprecedented PH-BN alliance by the opposition, Dr Xavier remarked that the unity government was formed based on opportunity, circumstances, and sacrifices.
“That is why the country has a working, functioning coalition in place. If this coalition proves to be successful, the country is poised to be on the right track for a long time and nobody can divide this coalition.
“It is a very strong coalition at present provided the people give it a chance to work.”
As such, Malaysians, he said, should realise that choosing the party into government is a complete reflection of what they want in the next ten years, and not just a single term.
“There will be bumps and challenges along the way, but with uninterrupted rule and political stability, I am confident that they will be able to overcome it.
“Changes will not happen overnight but now corporate figures, civil servants, and the politicians will have clear direction of where the country is moving forward in the long run,” he said.
Asked about the potential outcome of the election, Dr Xavier said it will most likely remain the status quo for all states unless a strong voter turnout including voters who are fence-sitters.
Voters are set to head to the polls this Saturday as they determine the next administration for the states of Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan. — August 8, 2023