The
Third Force
Overview:
The fear:
Many local born Malaysian Chinese who are my friends are
concerned with the current political situation. They feared the change of
government might lead to some unrest that might affect their livelihood and the
future. They requested me to give my views and outlook of the current political
situation and if possible offer some suggestions as to how best they should
act.
My observation:
I have observed most of the Malaysian Chinese intellectuals
have lost hope of the future with the present government. At the same time they
are unsure of the future should there be a change of government after the 13th.
General Election. They are in the state of dilemma, not knowing what to do.
The paradigm shift:
Whether it is timely or untimely, there is a paradigm shift world-wide.
Better access to information and better informed the people are now more
articulate and more daring to speak up for their rights. Their demand is now
shaping a new political landscape. For Malaysia it is of no exception.
We now have the formation of an extra political team known
as the Pakatan Raklyat (PR). It has its own team of political parties running
parallel to the present Barisan Nasional (BN) team. The formation of Pakatan
Rakyat (PR) in a way has broken the monopoly of Barisan Nasional (BN).
Similar function but different approach:
Both had declared the same objectives. They swore to up-hold
the Constitution of the country and to serve the people. But each has his own
interpretation the Constitution and in the approach in governing the country.
PR had category promised that if they win in the coming 13th
General Election and form the government of the day they will listen to the
people rather than forcing the people to listen to them. That means it will be
the people’s government. They will set out to amend all the existing obsolete
lop-sided laws, do away with government policies that seem unfair to certain
quarters and will have a fairer implementation of all the government policies.
They will ensure that bribery and corruption are kept to the
minimum. They will reduce unreasonable road-tolls fees, reduce taxes on food
staffs and revive the sagging economy of the country by attracting more foreign
investments. Every act will be done with a national outlook rather than a
narrow racial outlook.
Such declaration of fair play appears attainable. Thus,
these hanging carrots have an impact on the people especially the Malaysian
Chinese.
Doubtful of peaceful change:
We must not forget, for years certain politicians with
racial extremist mentality have been sowing seed of hate and suspicion among
the people to pitch them against one another. This method was often used by
unscrupulous politicians to remain in power to reap whatever benefits for themselves
and for their cronies. Will they meekly and peacefully surrender their power to
the winner if they are defeated in the coming General Election? Should such unhappy
situation arises, what will the winner do about it?
Current feeling of the people:
Current feeling of the people is running high as the13th.
General Election is fast approaching. Those without political connections feel they
have been unfairly treated by those who hold political power. They feel so
disgusted with the unfair treatment and they now just want a change. With that obsession
in mind, anything that displeases will be escalated to the stage of
victimization. If the feeling of the people is not handled properly I fear security
problem may arise.
What is our Option?
Self help:
All these years we have been relying on the Malaysian
Chinese Association (MCA) to look after our interest. Past leaders had
performed well. They had looked after our interest.
They were partners to the decision and policies making of
the government.
Present leaders, I am sad to say, have failed us. They are
unable to look after our interest anymore. They are no more in the decision and
policies making of the government. Their function in the government is reduced
to merely to carry out instructions that are dished out to them by others in the
government.
In the coming 13th.General Election it is
predicted by analysts that MCA will perform badly. MCA political strength may
be decimated.
In the mean time, what must we do?
I believe we have to consolidate ourselves and with the help
of others to develop a Third Force. This is for our survival.
What is the Third
Force?
I define it as an INDEPENDENT group, which block-vote when
added to the vote of any contesting group will determine the favorable out-come
of an election.
Who are considered as
the Third Force?
They are (1) Silent- voters,
(2) Fence-
sitters,
(3)
Those have no political leaning and
(4)
Those have a strong sense of justice.
How to go about
getting their support?
(A)Develop their political consciousness
through
(i)
forums,
(ii)
dialogs,
(iii)
group discussions and
(iv)
seminars,
(B)Keep them informed by the use of
(i)
Internet and
(ii)
by the mass media
Conclusion:
We must realize that living in a multi-racial,
multi-religious society we have to adopt a right thinking and right attitude
towards others in order to live peacefully and harmoniously.
At the same time as citizens of the country we must have the
guts to demand what is due to us and to see we are fairly treated by the
government.
To our own kind,
(i)
we must not sell them out just for self-interest
and benefit.
(ii)
we must not condemn and sabotage just because he
can perform better than you.
(iii)
we must learn to appreciate and support those
who are sincere and capable to lead.
We need those who have the sense of moral and justice and
have braveness to speak up. We need them to take the lead to consolidate the latent
formidable Third Force.
While we still need to give support to any political party
that we believe can look after our interest yet I believe to be able to weld a
Third Force is our greatest asset. It will be our long term hope for the
future.
Dr. Chan
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