I am very pleased and I welcome the statement made by the Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Razak, on 12 January 2009 during the by-election where he reiterated that “UMNO has always had moderate and pragmatic policies and is not racist and extremist as portrayed.” Now that the election is over, BN leaders must accept the people’s verdict with an open heart and must immediately sit down to analyse and brainstorm on the reasons for the setback. The real challenge for BN has just begun. We have to immediately take action on our election promises. We have to walk the talk. Election promises should not be just mere political rhetorics.

However, all too often, BN leaders have been known to make statements to similar effects, but without the requisite follow-through to convince the rakyat that we indeed practice fair and equitable policies in Malaysia.

Due to that, many feel sidelined and disenfranchised by certain government decisions, resulting in our continued loss of support.

One classical example is the imbalance in ethnic representation in the civil service which has distressed and disappointed many Malaysians. Leaders have recognised the weaknesses and many statements have been made on the need to correct this flaw. It is time that the government takes immediate action in promoting greater ethnic balance in the civil service, and ensure that efforts should not only be done, but be seen to be done, even without elections. At the same time, the government should also immediately address other issues, such as religious issues with regard to the implementation of the Hudud Law as well as other issues like education and culture.

In the same breath, the perception that the private sector is overwhelmingly non-Malay must also be corrected. The government must promote and provide for real and meaningful Malay and non-Malay entrepreneurship. Non-Malay employers in the private sector must also take pro-active action to recruit and assist so that all races in Malaysia are equally represented.

Time is running short. We have to immediately take action and walk the talk in order to win back the support of all Malaysians.