The precarious and increasingly warring world stage, coupled with the real possibility of a third world war, is no longer mere hearsay or doomsday thinking.
In this climate of mounting uncertainties, what is Malaysia’s strategy across the political, economic, environmental and social fronts?
Going by the daily breaking news in the domestic media, many of us may be in denial about the mounting dangers that could besiege us without warning.
Our national energy is being spent in the run-up to the next general election – all while a third world war possibility teeters on the edge.
Perhaps it is time for people in Malaysia to demand preparedness – to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and the people’s welfare above all else.
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The wealthy and well-connected probably have the means to escape wartime hardship, taking flight to safer places. The politicians who are now fighting tooth and nail to claw into power may also disappear when desperation comes knocking on the nation’s door.
Where would that leave the rest of us when politicians and policymakers are unable or not around to resolve such hardship?
We need clear policies and national direction now, given the global threats that are escalating by the day.
Rebuilding agricultural know-how
First, establish a national crisis body comprising agricultural experts with adequate means to translate ideas into action.
This body should revive the lost body of agricultural know-how so that every landowning family can cultivate their own food supply. Convert all idle land in cities, towns and villages into viable farm plots.
Religious politics around various sensitivities must not cloud or suffocate the critical need for food production, including animal husbandry.
If the region becomes locked in a world war involving superpowers, the chase for foreign investment would collapse overnight. People in Malaysia would be far better served by learning survival skills.
Stop making excuses
Second, reminding people about possible rising oil prices and cargo logistics disruptions is not a solution. Telling people we may only have around six months’ food stock is not the answer.
Stop making excuses. Policymakers must demonstrate their patriotism by creating solutions that build Malaysia’s own self-reliance.
Education and public healthcare must be readied quickly to help people navigate through hard times. Stop exploiting these two critical areas for political ends.
Redirect priorities
Third, there must be an immediate review of the business models of government-linked companies – including their pursuit of foreign stocks, bonds and investments.
Given the long list of bailouts, the country cannot continue in a business-as-usual manner. The domestic economy should be the engine for surviving the next five years.
The old adage “A stitch in time saves nine” has never been more apt. Malaysia is a nation that has over-developed on an ever-expanding export economy while growing. It is now ever more dependent on a widening range of imports – from medicine to education to food, clothing and more.
The time to act is now, before the cost of inaction becomes too great to bear.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
