By Ramon Navaratnam

It’s a breath of fresh air and a source of much pride to me and many, to read in The Sunday Star yesterday, that a former PTD (Pegawai Pentadbiran Diplomatic) colleague Tan Sri Alwi Jantan, has come out strongly to support our cherished national values of secularism, liberalism and pluralism.

In short, he urges greater national unity and good governance, which have been sadly declining.

As a leading member of the Group of 25 (G25) of eminent former senior Malay civil servants and intellectuals, Alwi and the G25, are indeed torchbearers for our founding fathers. They are therefore fully worthy of the wholehearted support of all true Malaysians.

The problem however, is that G25 are preaching to the converted, especially Malaysians in the more sophisticated urban areas.

The G25 currently has a limited number of about only 40 members. The G25 has thus to expand its membership, and not only among more leading non-political Malay leaders.

Indeed, it must also now consider being more inclusive. The G25 needs to include leaders in the rural areas and also non-Malays and those leading the moderates in Sabah and Sarawak.

There has been a worldwide tendency for politicians to look toward the next election to preserve their privileged vested interests. Their vision is therefore limited to the short term.

They tend to pursue the dubious doctrine of State Capture, in order to prolong and perpetuate their continuing political dominance and power, often for self-gain, rather than the peoples’ progress.

A ‘G25 Movement’?

In direct contrast, the independent and experienced thinkers and patriots in the G25, are committed to the long term national interests and national unity, as well as the modernity and sustainability of our country.

And that is why, we all must rally around the G25, to strengthen them and to develop a kind of “G25 Movement” that stands for moderation, integrity, equity, fairness and unity in diversity.

As Star Media Group CEO Wong Chun Wai wrote in The Sunday Star yesterday, in his article entitled “Unite, not divide the people”, we should not provide a platform for extremists like academic Ridhuan Tee Abdullah to spew hatred and disunity.

It’s like providing oxygen for his fanaticism.

This begs the worrisome question in the public mind – why is justice not being done or seen to be done? Are some types of people less susceptible to allegations of sedition?

Surely, the authorities don’t want to give the impression that we have selective justice or bad governance in our country? What if others follow Tee’s terrible example?

There could be chaos, as Alwi has rightly suggested. We all don’t want any of that possibility – do we?

In fact, any politician or individual who promotes hate, racial and religious bigotry and supremacy of any kind, must be isolated and alienated, politically and even socially.

Most politicians find it difficult to isolate bigots, because they have to fight or even buy the votes of bigots, through the despicable and dirty practice of money politics.

Hence, it is welcome news to hear that the G25 will be going beyond their current critical concerns, “to find solutions to the overlap of civil and shariah laws”, to also delve into the vital question of good governance.

This new emphasis is fundamental, as without or even less good governance, all our progress that we have proudly achieved since Merdeka, will dissipate and decline?

We are all deeply anxious about what my civil service brother Alwi boldly states, “good governance has been eroded at an alarming rate”.

The G25 Report on Political Financing Reforms that was submitted to Prime Minister Najib Razak and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low, has to be seriously discussed in Cabinet and even in Parliament.

Hopefully, the G25 Report’s recommendations will be adopted by the Government, well before the coming General Election, in the interests of good governance?

Conclusion

All the Rakyat really want is a more fair, reasonable and equitable Government and greater national unity, with good governance.

This is our birthright and the people are not asking for much. That is the natural aspiration of the Rakyat, especially the Bottom 40 per cent, regardless of race and religion.

At present, they could and are feeling marginalised. They even experience a sense of alienation from mainstream development. They may even feel a reduced sense of belonging and a low level of patriotism?

We have therefore, to go back to basics and follow the principles of good governance set by our wise and honest founding fathers. Otherwise, as the G25 clearly suggests, we could fail badly and fade away.

So, let’s all rally round the G25, form a “G25 Movement” and appeal for more good governance from our political leaders of all shades, for a Better Malaysia. This is what all true Malaysians want and fully deserve. .

And as we approach Malaysia Day on Sept 16, we the Rakyat believe that we will win, if we are united against all abuses from any and all quarters.

Selamat Hari Malaysia and May God bless our beloved Malaysia.

Ramon Navaratnam is Chairman Asli Center for Public Policy Studies

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