Ramadhan Blessings to our vocal Malaysian youths – figurehead for reforms in the country.
I write in response to the call by a group of Malaysian youths wanting “an Alternative government” – representing 146 names, dated the 2nd of July 2015.
Their comments were reminiscent of Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana’s “The Strong Battlecry” [Semboyan yang Tegas] – representing backgrounds which are diverse and multicultural; yet clearcut in their demands for a just, united, prosperous and harmonious Malaysia.
I observe the three specific demands – ranging from a new workable coalition representing the people’s aspirations; a firmer working relation between parties in such a coalition; as well as truly inclusive in identity. Such demands, however demanding in nature – especially given the undemocratic and hostile political climate in the country – surely challenging to implement. But they are not impossible.
The demands are akin to a battle cry; emerging hot in the heels of the grievances of the rakyat.
Grievances – which are represented through the seemingly never ending scandals affecting Malaysia – with worldwide coverage that leaves the government with nowhere to hide.
From the beleaguered image of Tabung Haji, the erosion of trust in MARA’s accountable legacy, and the crippling 1MDB scandal; continuing persecution against dissent – marked through the imprisonment of our former Opposition Leader; detention of Members of Parliaments, academicians to the UKM 13 students plagued by water shortage – these instances further widen the gap between optimism and downright despair for Malaysia’s future.
These mammoth scandals and wastage are especially painful when combined with the daily economic woes of the average Malaysian – who currently face a staggering 146 percent of household debt per GDP, beating American and British figures[1]; and the average Bumiputera having a meagre median financial asset of RM1; further compounded by the new GST regime faces inflationary pressures which will only worsen with time[2].
We must save Malaysia.
As such, I support this initiative made by these young voices. Such voices represent the stirrings from the future 7 million youths – the voting block for the next elections.
Let our meeting take place. Let us move to seize the zeitgeist for Malaysia.
Nurul Izzah Anwar
Member of Parliament For Lembah Pantai Wakil Rakyat
Vice President and Elections Director of KEADILAN
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[1]. The US’ ratio in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 99 per cent, while it was 133 per cent in the UK [2]. The recent study by Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid and Dr. Lee Hwok Aun for United Nation Human Development Report, the total wealth of the richest 40 Malaysians is equivalent to 22% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an increase from 15.7% in 2006.At the households’ level, the top 20% of Malaysia’s population hold more than 51% of the country’s wealth with the top 10% owning more than 35%. Meanwhile, the bottom 20% has less than 5% of the country’s wealth.
The general consensus is that the issue needs to be urgently addressed for reasons of social equity, social stability and economic growth. It is impossible to narrow the growing gap between the rich and poor if the issue of wealth inequality is not urgently addressed.
http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Letters/2015/01/23/Consider-reintroducing-inheritance-tax/
