Election or Governance?

I saw a number of missed calls on my mobile phone when I was still in Seoul yesterday. I am sure a number of my reporter friends were eager to ask my view on the battle call for a snap general election soon.

My reaction would have been a negative one. Politicians and political parties should focus on fulfilling their election promises and serve a complete term after a mandate is given by the people.

Technically, the ruling government is allowed to dissolve the parliament and call for an election anytime after receiving a consent from the YDPA. Morally, it is wrong for any political party to focus on winning power and not governance. Since Mahathir era, most of us had been led to believe that this government cannot function without a 2/3 parliamentary majority. This is probably the most misleading and undemocratic statement of all.

Malaysia needs politicians who put governance and service above everything else. Here, politicians seemed to know very little else about everything except for vicious politicking.

If political parties do not change the foundation of their existence and intention, we should not be surprise if Malaysians will once again lose interest in the democratic process. The process is not only about a change of power but it is about a real change for a better future.

What has the ruling coalition achieved in the last 2 years? What is the next economic model for Malaysia facing its most serious socio-economic challenge since the mid-80's?

How can Malaysia compete with the rest of the world if we are not sure of our own direction - continuing with affirmative action or promote meritocracy and real empowerment?

Can Malaysia survive the next global competition and growing competitiveness of our neighbours?

These are questions which must be answered and not if the Malays will lose their political rights or not. Malays are the majority community in the country. As a member of the Malaysian society, the Malays will prosper like everyone else if this country is well governed. Anything else will impoverish all of us regardless of race or creed.

So, election or governance? We have to make a conscious choice.