Tsu Koon: BN Has To Speed Up Reform

Although the BN government has awakened and accepted many reform proposals after the 8 March general elections, but the people could not see any result due to the slow progress and the people could not wait any longer to see changes, said Gerakan President Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

He pointed out that if BN member parties, including Umno, refuse to face the problem and speed up the reform, the BN government may face a greater blow in the next general elections.

"In fact, the BN Supreme Council and Management Committee have held several meetings and four special committees have been set up to conduct in-depth analyses on various issues. However, we have been focusing on issues like the change of regime, by-election, the pull out of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), the 'penumpang' remarks, and party elections. Thus, the reform plan is not in full focus," said Dr Koh.

Dr Koh told Sin Chew Daily that although some open-minded Umno leaders have deeply felt the need for reform and change, at the same time, they are facing the party's historical and political burdens. They are facing trouble in dealing with this issue.

He said that despite wanting to carry out a reform, they are unable to reverse the situation in a short period of time. There is much to do thus, different voices could be heard.

"We should have different voices and pressures in a democratic country but we must not be hasty. After all, the process of democracy requires the promotion of all interests. Most importantly, we must make sure that the long process is heading for a healthy and more open political situation," he added. (Sin Chew Daily)

MySinchew
2008.10.06