SEPT 14 — If we are to execute change in the 14th General Elections, it is the people of Malaysia who will have to step up to the plate and make that difference.
Civil society must chart the path and play a defining role in determining the principles on how a genuine “People’s Opposition” works, for the people.
Because at the rate we are going at, the next polls is likely to result in status quo, as the opposition seems to be rudderless by adopting the tried and tested — and failed — approach to take on Barisan Nasional.
As stakeholders, we have — albeit mistakenly — given the keys to opposition parties to drive us to the change many of have wanted since the 12th national polls.
And more than 7 years on, we have seen before our eyes how the self-destruct button has been pushed to blow the opposition into smithereens.
That is largely down to the fact our trust has been misplaced, leading us to be taken for granted almost.
‘Ketuanan Rakyat’ — one of the core principles contained in the infamous ‘Common Policy Framework’ which leaders of the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat usually speak of — is non-existent, the bedrock of which democracies should be built on.
It instead has been a practice of ‘Ketuanan Wakil Rakyat’, with people merely being treated as mute passengers and not allowed the room to determine the direction which we should head into.
Many of us agree that the days of ‘Government Knows Best’ are long gone.
It is also time for us to recognise perhaps that even the opposition doesn’t know it all, and that they need help.
And that is where civil society can play a leading role in being a genuine people’s voice.
By calling a ‘National Convention’ of all stakeholders — NGOs, civil society groups, concerned citizens and drivers of change — we can set the principles on which the new opposition coalition should abide by and draw a road map towards change.
In that way, we the people, can act as a check and balance to the opposition and ensure that they exercise concrete consultation with the people before embarking on outrageous moves which beggars belief.
Till this point, Pakatan Rakyat’s ‘Common Policy Framework’ was determined solely by a select-few individuals and have not been upheld.
Now, it is pressing that a People’s Common Policy Framework is drawn up to send a signal to the parties in the soon-to-be-formed opposition coalition that we mean business and want to play an active role in leading Malaysia out of darkness.
Because if we don’t, UMNO and Barisan Nasional will be licking their lips at the prospect of being in power for more than 60 years.
It is time.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
