Statement by Tan Sri Robert Phang (18 May 2010)

The DAP‘s sensational win in Sibu is shocking to many, especially to the die-hard Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters. More damning, it comes on the heels of the BN victory in Hulu Selangor.
If at all, it shows the tremendous dissatisfaction of the Chinese and Christian voters towards the BN Government, more so to the Sarawak state leadership.And, worse, when the 'Allah' issue is still pending and has yet to be resolved.In the Sibu by-election, the Chinese and Christian voters undoubtedly threw their overwhelming support to the DAP candidate.It shows the BN, especially Umno , will continue to struggle for electoral wins if they refuse to face reality .The BN must come to terms that , for it to be politically strong like in the 80s and 90s, it must command the overwhelming confidence of all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion.
The BN must accept that times have changed and that politics in Malaysia is no more about race and religion. It must face reality and change.If it accepts reality, then BN will have to change and work on real issues under the 1Malaysia concept.Winning back confidenceIt must show that 1Malaysia is not just a slogan but a tangible and honest concept to unite all Malaysians. There should be no room for the manipulation of issues on race and religion.Such issues should be treated and handled fairly and in accordance with facts, the law and the Federal Constitution. That is the only - and fastest - way for BN to win the confidence of all Malaysians.If the Umno-led BN ruling coalition continues with its dinosaur-like ways in handling issues of public interest, it cannot hope to consolidate or regain its previous political strength.The writing is clear on the irrelevant ways the BN is using to win elections.Irrelevant because the millions of ringgit in promised infrastructure development, for education and for socio-development do not command the majority support anymore.The people today are more educated, more informed. They know it is the job and obligation of the Government to bring development to the people and to the country.The Government must be seen as a fair and just Government. Development is for every Malaysian because they are taxpayers, irrespective of their political inclination.In this era of electronic InformationTechnology, which has created a borderless world, it is impossible to suppress truth and reality. So, the only way to win public support is to handle all issues fairly, with honesty and sincerity.The worst thing to do now is to remain stubborn and to hold people to ransom with what the BN is expected to deliver – a fair and just Government.In Sibu’s case, deliver the promised millions of funds for flood mitigation projects and others. BN cannot afford to punish Malaysians, especially the almost equal number of Malaysians who voted for the BN.Equally of concern is the thorough wake-up call for BN component parties, like the MCA and Gerakan.—

Tan Sri Robert Phang is chairman of the Social Care Foundation and a member of the advisory panel of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission