MIC’s role in the new PERAK State Administration.

The recent change in the Perak state government has brought about many a controversy and debates. Whatever the debates, the fact is that the constitutional and monarchial blessings are upon the new government. However it cannot be denied that with the change there is also an opportunity for the new BN government to show that indeed it has heard the voice of the people and their discontent and will heed it through their governance of the state.

This brings me to the issue of Indian representation within the new government. The BN coalition doesn’t have any representatives in the state assembly therefore an exco position isn’t a possibility and hence the calls for the speaker of the assembly to remain Indian is very emphatic and clear. It would be great if this position is indeed given to the Indians and it is surely something that would make the Indian community in the state and country proud. But there must be some consideration and thought given carefully before seeing any move to appoint the speaker as an Indian being regarded as a positive or negative attainment.

To appoint the speaker as an Indian just to gain political mileage among the people would not be in the best interests of the community. We as a people have grown more wary and sophisticated in the thought processes to just be happy with the appointment of an Indian speaker. What would be needed is a government that has the interest of the community at heart and delivers what is needed in a timely and efficient manner rather than just a speaker’s position in name and no real help or aid rendered in strengthening the community. This alone would be the barometer of the Indian community in appraising the new Perak government. Though this might mean “losing” the speakers position yet it is a sacrifice that the community would gladly make if the end result is better service to the Indians in the state. Also besides the speakers position there are also various government arms and bodies that could have an increased representation of Indians to help the struggles of the Indian community such as the social, welfare and economic development arms of the state.

This being said the ideal scenario would of course be for the Indian community to at least get the deputy speakers position and also better service and representation in other bodies of the state government such as local municipal councils and such. In this way the community would still have an important position in the assembly and also have more hands on representation in getting opportunities and aid from the state government. Practical wisdom would always choose getting real help as compared to just having a title and position but in no way involved in the legislation and day to day running of the state. The new BN government has a unique opportunity to show the Indians of the state that they are a coalition for all races and no one will be left behind in the pursuit of progress and development in the state. This being achieved then for sure a resounding vote of confidence from the rakyat in Perak can be looked forward to in the next general election.

MY VIEWS.....

What is important now is to ensure that the Indians in Perak are well taken care off. Giving a position alone is not important but what is important is the Indians in Perak will not be deprived of their rights as a MALAYSIAN cause at the end of the day we are all MALAYSIANS.

ABOLISHMENT OF THE DIVISION SYSTEM MAY HELP TO COMBAT MONEY POLITICS

Money politics is indeed a threat that has to be dealt with urgently and effectively. One reason that it is so harmful is the fact that it is the precursor to full fledged corruption within the government when allowed to grow and thrive.

This being the case it was with much interest that I read the statements issued by the much respected UMNO elder statesman Tengku Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen.

His solution to the problem may have its merits but in my humble opinion would not totally solve the problems at hand and in fact may cause more harm to political parties that enforce his suggestion of disbanding all Youth, Putera and Puteri wings.

The electorate is getting younger and these wings of the party are the conduit for the party to entice and communicate to the generationof youths that will play a big part in choosing the government during elections. Disbanding the wings would just alienate this vital group of voters even more and would not have a significant impact on the curing of the money politics disease. Also I personally know of many people across party lines that are active in the Youth, Putera and Puteri wings that are highly dedicated and want to serve the people.

They have no hidden agenda of selfish motives except the heart to want to serve the party and people. Disbanding their wings would just contribute to losing the services of dedicated people and their platform to contribute.

One solution that I feel will be more comprehensive in combating money politics would be the abolishment of the division system within political parties. Currently the division leaders are very powerful and play a big and influential role in the party elections. However they are few in number when compared to the divisions they represent.

That being the case using financial rewards for buying votes is not very difficult. However if the division system was abolished and branches were empowered to vote in party elections directly then the sheer number of branches would make it very difficultfor any candidate to use money to gain votes. Also when these branches are empowered they will also play a more productive role in serving the grassroots and transmitting the will of the grassroots to the leadership of a party. If the grassroots are served then the parties standing will take care of itself during the elections.

Bringing powerback to the branch chairman’s and hence listening closer to the will of the grassroots will not only help deal with the money politics issue but also keep the leadership in tune with the aspirations of the grassroots.

One thing is for sure, the political landscape has changed dramatically and for political parties that wish to remain relevant reform is necessary and pertinent. The will of the people cannot be ignored and abuses such as money politics should not be tolerated.

To lose sight of this fact is taking the highway to political oblivion.

MY VIEWS....

If you have the money use it wisely and not buying your self to be popular.