Today, we celebrate Malaysia’s 53 years of independence. As Malaysian, we have much to be proud of. We have seen the progress and development that this country has achieved since 1957. However, we are still unable to get rid of racial extremism and political spats. Racist remarks by groups and individuals surface consistently and are used as a tool for their own agenda without taking into account the sentiments of the multi-racial people of this country. Thus, the direction that Malaysia will head to if this racial discrimination is not resolved worries many, who are concerned about the future political and economic development of this country.

The 308 political tsunami has changed Malaysian politics with a much talked about possibility of a two party system. However, the continuous political spats in the past two years have clearly shown that certain politicians and political parties is not matured enough to bring about a stable political and economic development to this country. Instead the country has been turned into a stage where the politicians have become the actors trying to gain popularity and fame instead of working for the needs of the people and the development of the state and country.

We must understand that the country’s economy and development is also determined by political stability and global economic downturn cannot be blamed on every time.

Our country is rich in cultural diversity. Racial and cultural harmony and integration is indispensable for our country’s prosperity and development. Any narrow-minded individual or group will surely obstruct the national development.

We urge the Federal Government and the Penang state government to listen to the people to put aside their political differences, and focus on the well-being of the people.

The 1Malaysia policy is consistent with the needs of the people. Penang state government should concentrate on bringing in the much needed development to the state and not play up the petty issues. The federal government must prioritize national and economic development, and concentrate on the development of Penang state for the needs of the people.

Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan
Penang Gerakan State Liaison Committee Chairman