1. The late Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, a founder of Gerakan, often reminded us that Barisan Nasional (BN) was formed when our country, Malaysia, was facing her most severe challenges in the early 1970s. In the interest of the people, Gerakan, together with several parties with diverse political ideologies and backgrounds, cast aside their differences, agreed to reduce politicking and came together, in answer to the call for unity by the late Tun Razak. The word “national” means “for the nation.” Hence, leaders and members of BN should rightly be nationalists who love our country and our people, willing and ready to serve and to sacrifice.

2. As a result, BN was launched as a common front, a coalition of parties based on the principle of equal partnership and inclusiveness, representing the interests of diverse ethnic and cultural communities, and regions. The BN captured the imagination of the people and won two-thirds majority in Parliament in eight (8) consecutive elections for 30 years, from 1974 to 2004.

3. However, in the 2008 General Elections, with reduced popular support, we lost the two-thirds majority in Parliament and five (5) state governments, because the people felt that we had not addressed their grievances enough. They were also disappointed with cases and examples of arrogance and abuse of power.

4. In fact, we have learned a hard lesson that the people are like water, the government is like a ship. “The water can raise a ship, but it can also sink a ship,” in accordance with a Chinese proverb. The Confucian scholar Mencius had also said, “whoever wins the heart of the people wins the kingdom.” If his saying was true for ancient China some 2,300 years ago, it is even more relevant in our present system of Parliamentary Democracy today.

5. In fact, the people are the bosses. We, as leaders, are where we are because of the support of the people. They determine our fate. We are not the bosses and should not behave like bosses. We have to serve the people, not for the people to serve us. We have to change or be changed, as our BN Chairman, Dato’ Sri Najib, correctly pointed out. Hence, the concept of 1Malaysia with commitment to “people first, performance now” is to go back to basics, to the people. We must recommit ourselves to the ideals of BN, but with a new way and with a new spirit of One Heart, One Vision and One Malaysia for all

6. Committed to being a “People First” party, BN must cater to what the common people of Malaysia want: a clean, efficient and trustworthy government free of corruption and malpractices, a safe living environment free of crime and development-triggered environmental calamities, a harmonious society free of extremism and social ills, quality education for our younger generations, access to high-income jobs and better quality of life. The rural people need roads, water and electricity supplies, while the urban dwellers need better public transportation system.

7. These major concerns have been acknowledged and are being addressed by the six (6) National Key Result Areas (NKRA) in the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the 12 National Key Economic Activities (NKEA) in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) launched by the Prime Minister. The implementation of the GTP and ETP are showing encouraging, positive and concrete results. Crime rates have declined, steps are being taken to raise education standards, to combat corruption, to roll out rural and urban infrastructure and to raise income and the income-generating capacity of the 40 per cent lower income households. Investments are pouring in, projects being launched, economic growth boosted.

8. However, the provision of physical facilities and economic opportunities alone are not enough. A survey showed that the Malaysian people want government services that are fast, proper and respectful (cepat, tepat, hormat). “Fast” in the sense of quick delivery, such as issuing passports within an hour. “Proper” in the sense of following correct principle, policy and procedure with no hanky-panky. “Respectful” meaning service provided in a courteous, considerate and caring way, and not rude and arrogant. This is what is meant by “performance now” to fully realise the commitment to “People First” by a truly 1Malaysia civil service. The same must also be practised by all BN members.

9. Besides being a party of the people, by the people and for the people, BN must be a party with the people. We must at all times be in contact with the people, as exemplified by Dato’ Sri Najib’s walk-abouts. This is the best way for us to communicate and commiserate with the people to understand their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows, their pride and problems. Only then can we serve them well, touch and win their hearts.

10. In fact, for BN to be an effective “people first” party, BN must also be fully committed to the 1Malaysia concept, to democracy and to moderation. BN must also be a party of the future and for the future of Malaysia.

11. BN must be a 1Malaysia party fully committed to the promotion of unity in diversity. Guided by the spirit and principles in our Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, 1Malaysia promotes inclusiveness, accepting, respecting and celebrating our rich cultural heritage and religious diversity. We are committed to social justice, so as no one would be left behind and the nation’s wealth will be equitably shared. “We are a party for all the people, our service is for all, irrespective of race,” according to the BN party song which we just sang.

12. BN must be a party for democracy, respecting and standing for the fundamental rights of the people to decide their fate through democratic means. We must therefore promote democracy with responsibility. Democracy must also be practised within the BN. As the various component parties represent diverse ideologies and different ethnic and social-cultural communities, they must be given the democratic space to express views, but in a positive and constructive manner within the framework of the basic tenets of BN and major policies. Only then can we effectively represent and articulate the interest of all Malaysians and hence garner their support for the BN as a whole.

13. Barisan Nasional must be a party for moderation. Gerakan fully supports the Prime Minister’s clarion call first made at the United Nations General Assembly recently for a “Global Movement of the Moderates” of all faiths, to counter extremism and to promote peace and harmony worldwide. His timely call is very much in line with the basic tenets and true teachings of the great religions of the world.

14. Therefore, Gerakan suggests that the Barisan Nasional should also launch a 1Malaysia National Movement of Moderates to mobilise and galvanise the pool of good will and good sense amongst the Malaysian people. We should re-double our efforts in promoting positive and purposeful engagement amongst ethnic and religious groups to seek “zones of inclusiveness” so as to sustain our social stability and harmony.

15. We should fight against the rising voices of irresponsible extremism that threaten to take centre stage. Just as important, BN leaders at all levels must also refrain from making racial statements that hurt the feelings of certain groups, thus losing their support. The BN must lead in forging the politics of moderation, and in promoting the moderation of politics, in Malaysia.

16. BN must be a party of the future, reaching out and catering to the needs of the younger generation. Although most of the top leaders are now at least of middle age, we must have a young mind and even a young heart. We must also pay particular attention to supporting and promoting women who have the primary role of bearing and caring for our younger generations, and who deserve the opportunity to grow their full potential to contribute to nation building.

17. In conclusion, BN must be a truly “People First” party before we can become the first party of choice by the people. We must stand for justice for all, as reflected in the “dacing” logo of BN. We have made some head way, but we still have a long way to go. Let us close rank, with one heart, one vision and one team for 1Malaysia! and for the people of 1Malaysia!

by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Gerakan President