The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) seems to be the only party that has been walking the talk in providing service to the people.
The few news reports about PSM show that this party has fought hard for the marginalised, downtrodden, exploited communities in the country. And there is no whiff of any corruption allegations or practices involving this political group.
Instead, the party leaders and committees live a simple life. None of them appears to be dabbling in mega-share trading or operating privileged multimillion ringgit businesses through shady proxies.
I haven’t seen them driving plush cars, owning luxury yachts, going on extravagant lawatan sambil belajar (study tour junkets) or wearing branded suits, jaded rings and precious watches.
PSM has truly stood the test of time in the quest for an equitable distribution of the country’s wealth.
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Yes, many have written off this party. Others are more interested in illicit wealth and self-enrichment that we see plastered all over the many political parties that shamelessly scream about democracy, human rights and good governance.
As the great divide between the elitist and the working class grows; and between the politically connected and ordinary citizens, PSM’s presence and relevancy will be the gold standard.
It is time for us to pay attention to this party that has remained faithful to its principles, despite the mountain of obstacles thrown into its political pathway.
‘Cartel of dirty cops’
The much-respected inspector general of police dropped a big bombshell when he exposed the work of a cartel of dirty cops within his force.
When we now get an official confirmation of a widely held perception that our police force is not that squeaky clean, what do we do?
The knowledge that some within the force are working with criminal intent and for criminal advancement is shocking.
Has the prime minister made a policy statement in response to the cries of the police chief?
The inspector general’s courageous expose – a statement of claim that can only come from a leader with a lion heart – cannot just get buried under the unending news of political party struggles, plots, counter coups or even proclamations of progress, stability and development.
We need to rise united with great will to deal with this urgent situation within the force, which is paid to protect the nation against criminals.
Is national security not at stake if we cannot clean up the police force after six decades of independence.
Without a national will, even a lion-hearted police chief will be swamped, and the tutup satu mata (close an eye syndrome) over our mata-mata (police) will prevail.
Are we prepared to lose our independence and democracy to criminals? Or should we come together to clean up the police force and be proud stakeholders of nation-building?
Gotong-royong solidarity after floods
Citizen journalists recently shared many photos and videos of the deluge that inundated large swathes in several states in the country.
We saw ordinary people rushing to various places to rescue their fellow human beings and salvage their belongings despite the pouring rain, rushing waters and lack of equipment.
What these pictures and videos over social media tell us is that many ordinary people have tremendous goodwill. We are ready to reach out in times of disaster. We do not even think about our own difficulties as we rush to lend a helping hand during disasters like the recent floods.
This spirit of gotong-royong puts to pale certain politicians’ and religious leaders’ tendency to divide the people along racial and religious lines.
This Malaysian spirit must be cherished as it can help us fight corruption and overcome selfish political agendas and the politicians’ plotting to remain in power.
The aftermath of the floods have revealed the admirable social attitude of many ordinary people, who are the real defenders of this nation.
We need to bring this spirit of gotong-royong into the mainstay of building our nation, which has long been tortured by divisive religious agendas, questionable politicking and siphoning of the nation’s wealth. It can be just the weapon to rid the nation of corruption at all levels – both in the public and private sectors.
Hopefully, a moral leader or grouping of leaders will quickly recognise the power of the gotong-royong spirit and harness it for reform.
Amid crisis, politicking takes centre stage
What do we make out of our politicians, their political priorities and unending brokering when floods were wreaking havoc across the country while hospital beds were being filled to capacity due to the pandemic?
Look at the news hogging online portals, print newspapers and the amount of choking propaganda spun by ‘cybertroopers’.
Shouldn’t the politicians, including unelected government leaders, be coming together to ease the crises hitting the people?
Shouldn’t they be on the ground seeing how they and their followers can reach out to the tens of thousands affected by the floods, economic downturn and the pandemic?
Shouldn’t these leaders from all sides of the divide shelve their political agendas and come together to inspire, motivate and lend a compassionate hand on the ground, where people are suffering?
But no.
The daily news captures unending squabbles, allegations, corrupt agendas, and shocking exposes. Some politicians even have the audacity to be preoccupied with winning a general election, rumoured to be held before long.
What nationhood are we hoping for?
It is disgusting and heart-wrenching to see leaders, politicians, their followers and opportunists so busy playing politics while the country reels from a natural disaster, a health paralysis, economic stagnation and potential financial collapse.
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
JD, this item from Sarawak Report caught my eye :”..an allocation of RM35 million had been approved to build a hall in his Pagoh parliamentary constituency.”
Here is an example of action from a “cakap tak sama bikin” leader-is this a leader thinking of how to “ease the crises hitting the people?”
No, JD I believe the IGP is retiring soon. Perhaps his cry against the cartel in the police force is his frustration over reforms not implemented. I must say I had high expectations when he was appointed IGP, but the fact is , the police is the same old, same old.
The silence from the political elites show Hamid is left to fend for himself – no, the cartel will live on, while Hamid will fade from the scene!!