By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life adviser
THE EVOLUTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MIDDLE MALAYSIA.
Actually, the evolution of Middle Malaysia was spontaneous when about 50% of the electoral votes of 2008 general election supported a minimum common programme of the PKR-DAP-PAS coalition.
March 8th 2008 was a turning point for the country when the coaltion achieved a resounding victory by capturing five States and denied the Barisan of a two thirds majority. It signified that half the electorate wanted a Malaysia that was democratic, just, transparent, with religious freedom and rule of law – all the prnciples of the common programme of the Coalition of PKR-DAP-PAS.
The momentous victory for the coalition marked the spontaneous birth of a MIDDLE MALAYSIA.
THE 8/03 VICTORY SPURRED THE FORMATION OF PAKATAN RAKYAT. The leaders recognising that the coaltion movement had secured massive electoral support, wisely proceeded to formalise the coaltion. After months of negotiation and patience, on December 19th 2009, the coaltion having adopted the name of PAKATAN RAKYAT summoned a national convention and formally adopted a PAKATAN COMMON PLATFORM, defining the objectives for a united, progressive and prosperous Malaysia.
The common platform outlined a minimum program which reflected the wishes and aspirations of the rakyat.
DAP MIDDLE MALAYSIA STRATEGY
On September 17th 2010, Secretary General of DAP Lim Guan Eng, presented his tactical strategy of MIDDLE MALAYSIA, which he fervently felt would help Pakatan Rakyat to win the hearts and minds of most of the people of Malaysia.
He is focusing on Middle Malaysia to win more support from the people and it will also guide Pakatan Rakyat to move in the right direction.
SIGNS THAT MIDDLE MALAYSIA WILL RALLY BEHIND PAKATAN RAKYAT.
Firstly, the 8/03 victory was a sign that the people of middle malaysia want a change and will support pakatan rakyat because of its policy of a democratic open society that is just and provide equal opportunities for all, irrrespective of race or religion.
Secondly the people who constitute Middle Malaysia, come from different sections of the population. They come from a wide spectrum irrespective of race, religion, gender, the poor, workers, professionals, business men, petty traders, housewives, sports people, the unemployed and even the rich. They are different, but they have a common purpose – they want CHANGE.
Middle Malaysia comprised of people whose state of mind is common – the desire for national unity, justice, progress, religious freedom, quality education, job opportunities, crime free society, healthcare, rule of law, good governance that is transparent, corruption free police force and an independent judiciary.
PAKATAN RAKYAT WILL ADOPT THE MIDDLE WAY TO ACHIEVE CHANGE FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE.
Pakatan Rakyat has been championing the rights of Middle Malaysia and will continue to do so the right way, which is the Middle Way – via democracy, consultation, dialogue and interaction with the people irrespective of race, class or religion.
As asians, we will follow the age old wisdom of Budda and Confucious to take the middle way in life.
‘Islam is the Middle Path’ according to Masumah A Farchici, who says ‘Islam teaches balance in thought and action’ and he quotes:-
“Thus We have appointed you a middle nation.” (Qur’an, Surah Baqarah, 2:143)