by Mariam Mokhtar
Malaysia Chronicle
Thursday, 23 December 2010

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin scoffed at Pakatan’s 100-day reforms in the event that they formed the federal government and reminded the public ‘why BN has been in power for more than half a century and counting’.

His shameless attempt to discredit Pakatan is an insult to the electorate. He said, “Pakatan can promise the sun, moon, stars and mountains… But that is not the way of the BN government. We cannot squander our nation’s wealth.”

Muhyiddin is far removed from reality. People are disillusioned. After 53 years, the nation is more divided than ever, and our economy is in tatters. Our standards in education are falling, our defence budget is spiraling out of control and the civil service is bloated. The Prime minister’s residence and the King’s palace are undergoing a multi-million magical transformation whilst some people live without piped water and electricity.

Does Muhyiddin still think the electorate deserves to give BN another chance? Is 53 years of failure not long enough?

Muhyiddin said, “For BN, the prime minister has already a long road map for a high-income nation. But Pakatan only has plans for their first 100 days. They have absolutely no plans to reform the economy or anything.”

Only a megalomaniac will equate ‘high-spending’ with ‘high-income’? The mega-projects that the Prime minister announced are mere monuments to vanity, to satisfy BN’s perverse ego that bigger is always better.

The Pakatan led states of Penang and Selangor are examples of good governance and they have introduced younger voices to have a greater say in shaping policy On the other hand, BN’s talk sounds outdated and wearisome.

Malaysia’s lack of political reforms means that our ranking in ‘The Democracy Index’ is 71 out of 167 countries. Ours is defined as a ‘flawed democracy’. The Economist Intelligence Unit which compiles this index bases its findings on electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation and political culture.

Muhyiddin should realise that amongst other things, there is a restriction on our freedom of expression, the Internal Security Act is used to stifle criticism and university students are barred from participation in politics.

Would the DPM care to come up with a similar package for reform because the only things most people remember from the BN convention are Najib’s four political diseases ‘inertia, delusion, amnesia and arrogance’. Besides, its 7-point charter lacked not just lustre but also substance.

Unsurprisingly, Muhyiddin belittles not just the opposition, but also the public and companies. He said, “They probably think that the general election is close, so maybe they know better than us. They are just luring voters with their empty promises, like a supermarket sale.”

Not content with insulting the electorate, our DPM must also ridicule the retailers. He believes that ‘supermarket sales’ are just a gimmick with ‘their empty promises’.

One sincerely hopes the consortium of Malaysian retailers such as Giant, Tesco and Carrefour will protest at such a damaging charge.

If Pakatan has to make good on its promises, as pledged in its 100-day reform, then it also faces a long, thankless slog repairing the damage and economic mess of 53 years of BN rule.

Pakatan has dared to announce their reforms and it is for the electorate to choose if they are attractive enough for deciding their future.

Has BN been as ambitious in its political reforms? As far as many can see, BN’s policies are more of the ‘same-old, same-old’.

At least Pakatan leaders are on the right track. It has shown preparedness, clarity and bold vision for a better government. Who dares wins!