More than three months after the 12th general elections, the country's situation is still not stable but more controversial issues have been brought up amid the wave of democratization and reform. Frequent confrontations between the ruling party and the Opposition as well affect the political situation. Together with the world economic turmoil and recession, the domestic market prices will inevitably be affected, causing the people worry.
The BN's two-thirds majority in Parliament has been denied and the Opposition managed to gain five state regimes. This has formed the two-line system. The mutual check and balance between the ruling and the opposition parties is supposed to lead the country towards a healthy political development track. But through the recent changes show the people that the parties are still immerse in old political patterns. And the political conspiracy theory 10 years ago is once again being raised up.
Other than political issues, the people are worried about price hikes. Fuel prices have been increased in June while electricity rates raised in July. The inflation wave could be found in the market and the people are upset with the heavy burden of living. Despite the government gives car owners RM625 cash rebates, but the amount is not sufficient to offset the pressure of life caused by price hikes. Yes, the public have to find their own ways to cope with the increased spending. But the government as well have to ensure the inflation does not get out of control to pacify the people.
"Instead, it should keep their political confrontations aside for the moment and prioritise the current economic crisis."
However, the increase of fuel prices this time has become a cause of political struggle. Pakatan Rakyat organised a rally to protest against fuel price hikes. Also, the party took the advantage to cast a vote of no-confidence on the government. At the same time, Pakatan Rakyat's leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will immediately reduce fuel prices right after he gains the federal regime. On the other hand, BN has submitted and passed a motion for the adjustment of the fuel subsidy mechanism to show their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's fuel measures. However, the government is currently facing another wave of political crisis and therefore, it is unable to focus on economic issues.
The BN government must understand a fact that we are not only facing problems caused by internal but also external factors. The world economy may have to face a recession because of the skyrocketing oil and good prices while the region may face another financial turmoil after the Vietnamese economic bubble burst. The BN government can no longer use old methods to deal with these challenges. Instead, it must show its implementation capability and rectify the administrative system in terms of mentality and thoughts. The government must come out with better strategies to remove public grievances. It brings only limited effects to merely announce a few emergency measures without implementations.
On the other hand, Pakatan Rakyat should not blindly encourage the public to protest against the government's fuel measures, attempting to overthrow the BN government by controlling the people. Instead, it should keep their political confrontations aside for the moment and prioritise the current economic crisis.
The rally organised by Pakatan Rakyat Sunday (6 July) proceeded smoothly without any unpleasant incident with the coordination of the police. The public expressed their dissatisfaction on inflation and unstable political situation by joining the rally. However, we always believe that similar rallies cannot help in changing the current situation. And it will worsen the people's anxiety and suspicions if it is improperly handled, making the society out of control. Pakatan Rakyat should make good use of its resources of five state regimes and 82 MPs in the Parliament to fight more benefits for the people and gain greater support.
Meanwhile, Anwar is once again being accused for involving in a sodomy case. The case has in fact politicised and it makes the public worry about the country's future political arena. How the BN government deals with various allegations, how the police, Attorney General Chamber and judiciary handle the cases are also issues to be concerned. Some believe that the current political crisis is just a reform process. At thhe same time, it is more transparent. After the test, Malaysia will be more democratic. However, we rather to have more concrete discourses, political platforms and proposals during the reform process. Otherwise, it does not only disadvantage the country's political and economical development, but as well lead the country into a chaos.
(Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)
source: My SinChew
PEOPLE'S POWER
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