JULY 19 — If the BN really lost the impression battle in the 13th general election, then I am sorry to say that most people’s impressions about the BN have not yet improved so far.
To put it strict, there are differences between image and impression. Image might be stereotypical, negative, preconceived and not fully reflect the true nature of the person or thing; impression, however, is perception gradually shaped after a period of time. It could be negative or positive.
For instance, women are relatively weak; men are more masculine. Or, a particular racial group is relatively hardworking; another racial group is lazier. These are actually stereotypes and do not necessarily reflect the actual situation.
In politics, voters’ perception of a particular party is always built on the party’s image, which is shaped through practices over a period of time.
In the recent general election, the BN lost the support of most Chinese voters. A visionary political party should reflect and review to find out the crux of the problem and take all possible remedial measures to turn the tide, instead of blaming others.
Before the Jonker Walk issue is solved, the failure of Chinese top STPM students with perfect CGPA score of 4.0 in receiving offers from the public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) or preferred courses has again raised the same old problem. Similar to the Bachelor of Education (PISMP), after making Chinese Literature passing qualification an admission requirement, Education Ministry officials combined the groups of SPM graduates and UEC graduates into one group, cutting the intake number from 40 to 10. These actions have been expected to cause dissatisfaction in the Chinese community. In fact, they are harmful to national integration, national economy, national development, as well as the BN’s image.
Political parties and the government need to fight for the people’s support. To do so, they need not only good policies, but also to ensure the policies are outstanding, forward-looking, good for the people and the country, as well as fair, just and reasonable. A government can make a good impression on the people and win the people’s trust and support for a long time only if it is able to show them the country’s future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has promised after the general election to uphold and implement a national reconciliation programme, and eliminate racial disputes. It is indeed what the people want, from a series of controversial incidents in recent days, however, the goal of national reconciliation seems still far away.
Politicians must always look ahead instead of keep indulging in election mood. They must also do what they should do and do them right. They must understand what should be done and what should not be. Only by doing the right things, they can make a good impression on voters, earn points for their parties, win back people’s confidence and lead the country back on the right track!
Please bear in mind that when the next general election comes a few years later, voters will not only remember how many right things you have done today, but they will also assess your performance based on their impression on you! — MySinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
