LATELY, there has been much talk of “plots” to topple the existing government, with the so-called Dubai Move and such, and horse trading amongst the political parties.
While such developments tend to be excused as “democracy at work”, it is important to remember that of utmost importance is the national interest, and that of the people.
Any attempt to topple an existing government, is the recipe for instability within the operating environment.
The Malaysian people will feel that insecurity, and those who deal with Malaysia, such as investors, existing and potential, will be disinclined to be in Malaysia.
There are other countries also offering competitive business and economic environments, and have that necessary political stability.
As such it is for the nation’s good to allow the existing government to complete its term and ensure that there will not be any effort to derail that.
The government should also be more committed to implementing the already announced policy measures and programmes, and tighten the monitoring and reporting processes.
This is to avoid continued abuses of authority and leakages of public funds, because of irregularities and inefficiencies.
There will be that time to undertake whatever necessary reforms, and changes… and rethink some of the less viable and relevant policy measures.
Equally important, to ensure there is no disconnect between the rakyat’s aspirations, and what the government wants to do.
And the government must put a stop to almost nonsensical utterances and directives, made in the name of religion at any level of the administration, which only brings about fractiousness and divisiveness amongst Malaysians.
There must be that important political stability in Malaysia, and no disruption to that should be tolerated. – January 12, 2024
Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz is the former international trade and industry minister