BN Changes Superficial; Abdul Rashid should resign over comments

BN Chairman Abdullah Badawi has announced a list of candidates which represent only superficial changes.

Firstly, he has retained almost all of the ministers that have been connected to cases of corruption involving millions and billions of ringgit.

Secondly, only small fish and minor officials have been replaced, giving the impression that while politicians guilty of minor corruption are at risk, the big fish all continue to roam free.

Thirdly, even politicians that have been replaced are being replaced by family members and protégés – all who are likely to continue the culture of graft and abuses of power.

KeADILan takes this as proof that once again, Abdullah Badawi is too weak and beholden to warlords and local interests to initiate real change. He has chosen expediency over conviction and is more interested in his political future than the future of Malaysia in an increasingly competitive regional and global environment.

He cannot, therefore, be expected to undertake major and substantive reforms which are required to tackle corruption, abuse of power and incompetence in the management of affairs of state.

We also note the comments of EC chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman to the Associated Press, who stated that "The Election Commission in Malaysia needs more power to prevent one-sided campaign coverage in local media or the entire electoral system will become a "laughingstock.

"He also said "In an election you have to produce what is called an informed choice. That's the principle. People must know who is contesting so publicity must be given to all, not just one section. And there are media bodies that take only one side.

"Given his admittance of this fact, we call upon Abdul Rashid to resign from his post immediately on principle, if he feels that he is unable to perform his duties with the integrity required of a public servant. Surely his dignity and sense of morality would prevent him from taking an active part in a system and process that is, by his own admittance, unfair and unjust.

Dr. Syed Husin Ali
Deputy President
Parti Keadilan Rakyat