A leading Malaysian social commentator has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to conduct a “genuine post-mortem” into why voters had drifted away from the Barisan National party at GE13.
Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang, the founder and chairman of Social Care Foundation, said Najib is the best person to get to the root cause of the political malaise, especially among the Chinese.
Phang said the Malaysian Chinese Association had become dysfunctional and was completely rejected by its own community. They have failed to connect with their constituents and this is a disaster.
“The MCA brand had been tarnished and cannot be redeemed. There is no Chinese representation in Cabinet. This is very disappointing. So something has to be done,” he says.
“Only Najib has the stature and authority to bring all communities together. He is very sincere when he says ‘I want to rule for all Malaysians.’ This is very encouraging.”
Phang was in Melbourne to address the powerful Victorian Chinese Chamber of Commerce at the weekend.
Chamber secretary Chuen Lim, a lawyer, formerly of Teluk Intan, who organised Phang’s visit, said only 150 people could be accommodated at Seasons, the Malaysian-owned hotel and there were many more who wanted to attend.
Phang said Najib is a great leader and no one in BN or UMNO can come anywhere near the prime minister or surpass him in understanding the needs and aspirations of Malaysians.
“Najib has demonstrated very convincingly that he would like to continue working on plans and programmes for the betterment of Malaysians.”
“But he needs to win the support and confidence of the Chinese and Indians. This I am sure he will achieve.”
Phang said “the arrogant MCA” had left a vacuum after its shocking election performance. “But there are many apolitical Chinese leaders of high repute and calibre in Malaysia who can be persuaded to fill the breach and give the Chinese a strong voice in the country.”
Phang also took a swipe at the MCA over the “Dong-zhong” – united education certificate –debacle . “MCA mismanaged and manipulated the whole issue,” he says.
Phang said Najib has to ”work hard … and work smart” to tackle the warring political factions, disgruntled politicians and extremists.
“Because of his family heritage, British training, open-mind and being very receptive to suggestions I feel confident Najib is the man of our times who can unite the nation.”
“Najib has many times said ’change, or be changed’. He understands the seriousness of the situation and we can expect reforms within Umno and BN.”
“Despite his detractors, the prime minister was given a resounding mandate at the election and he can move forward with confidence and with authority.”
“It is significant that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has endorsed Najib’s leadership.”
Phang said it is vital to have a strong opposition to provide checks and balances. “But they must be constructive and effective, not just shouting slogans and marching down the streets.”
He said rallies mooted by Datuk Anwar Ibrahim are unproductive, destructive and deceptive and would drive foreign investment away.
“Malaysia is a beautiful country. I want to see it grow and prosper.”
Source : http://jommagazine.com.au/phang-calls-for-post-mortem-into-ge13-setback/
Tan Sri Datuk Robert Phang, the founder and chairman of Social Care Foundation, said Najib is the best person to get to the root cause of the political malaise, especially among the Chinese.
Phang said the Malaysian Chinese Association had become dysfunctional and was completely rejected by its own community. They have failed to connect with their constituents and this is a disaster.
“The MCA brand had been tarnished and cannot be redeemed. There is no Chinese representation in Cabinet. This is very disappointing. So something has to be done,” he says.
Phang was in Melbourne to address the powerful Victorian Chinese Chamber of Commerce at the weekend.
Chamber secretary Chuen Lim, a lawyer, formerly of Teluk Intan, who organised Phang’s visit, said only 150 people could be accommodated at Seasons, the Malaysian-owned hotel and there were many more who wanted to attend.
Phang said Najib is a great leader and no one in BN or UMNO can come anywhere near the prime minister or surpass him in understanding the needs and aspirations of Malaysians.
“Najib has demonstrated very convincingly that he would like to continue working on plans and programmes for the betterment of Malaysians.”
“But he needs to win the support and confidence of the Chinese and Indians. This I am sure he will achieve.”
Phang said “the arrogant MCA” had left a vacuum after its shocking election performance. “But there are many apolitical Chinese leaders of high repute and calibre in Malaysia who can be persuaded to fill the breach and give the Chinese a strong voice in the country.”
Phang also took a swipe at the MCA over the “Dong-zhong” – united education certificate –debacle . “MCA mismanaged and manipulated the whole issue,” he says.
“Because of his family heritage, British training, open-mind and being very receptive to suggestions I feel confident Najib is the man of our times who can unite the nation.”
“Najib has many times said ’change, or be changed’. He understands the seriousness of the situation and we can expect reforms within Umno and BN.”
“Despite his detractors, the prime minister was given a resounding mandate at the election and he can move forward with confidence and with authority.”
“It is significant that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has endorsed Najib’s leadership.”
Phang said it is vital to have a strong opposition to provide checks and balances. “But they must be constructive and effective, not just shouting slogans and marching down the streets.”
He said rallies mooted by Datuk Anwar Ibrahim are unproductive, destructive and deceptive and would drive foreign investment away.
“Malaysia is a beautiful country. I want to see it grow and prosper.”
Source : http://jommagazine.com.au/phang-calls-for-post-mortem-into-ge13-setback/
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