Malaysia in the Era of Transformation: The Reality and Long-term Effects

Policy of the transformation of government introduced by the government under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak have recently promised a large wave of changes towards national development in aspects of economic, services and social of the country. The transformation of government introduced is in line with national preparations for confronting the challenges of globalization and Vision 2020. In the era of Tunku Abdul Rahman, the spirit of independence and unity has been introduced, and then a national education policy became the foundation in the leadership of Tun Abdul Razak. After that, Tun Hussein Onn introduced the concept of solidarity and justice, Tun Mahathir was more to the industry and privatization. In the era of Tun Abdullah, Islam Hadhari, and currently 1 Malaysia and the transformation is being talked about.

Generally, the transformation plan introduced by the government is seen as a step towards the improvement and welfare of the people of Malaysia. As a citizen of Malaysia who is looking for change and good in all respects, I welcome the government’s intention to achieve this transformation plan as long as it does not violate the boundaries of religion, norms and ethics of the pluralistic society of Malaysia. Each transformation program introduced must be studied and examined in a holistic and thorough manner towards the long-term effects, benefits, risks and problems that could be faced in the future. Each transformation program carried out must also take into account the interests of the people of Malaysia as a whole because all decisions and policies formulated by the government will have a significant impact on society. Therefore, the implementation of this transformation plan must be fair and transparent without interest to any party.

I am very optimistic about any of the government's proposal if the proposal gives benefit to religion, race and nation. However, if the proposal is contrary to the boundaries of religion, norms and ethics of society, I would not hesitate to object to any of the government’s proposal. Protesting does not mean to oppose blindly without checking, but after reviewing and examining in a holistic manner in advance. In this case, we should think and act in a mature and wise manner as it involves the future of religion, race and nation.

If you look at the economic transformation program having been introduced, the government wants to make Malaysia a hub for nightlife entertainment to generate the country’s economy. The matter was opposed by many parties due to the long-term effects and risks that would be faced by the country. I am also on the side that opposes this government policy. This clearly shows that the people want a change and a good policy without denying certain interests. Whatever the transformation to be implemented by the government, it must take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages in the long term. If not, it would not be something strange if the proposal gets opposed.

Looking at the future challenges facing the society, inventory and preparation to face an era of transformation and change are very important. The construction of a nation that has a strong identity, variety of skills and extensive knowledge is helpful in realizing this transformation. For example, experts in various fields, intellectuals, professionals and statesmen of quality must be improved in preparation for facing transformation and challenges of Vision 2020. As a student, I see the need for graduates who are competent, skilled, have leadership abilities and competitive to be produced by public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia. This is because products of higher education institutions are the result and main reference to the success of any of the government's intention in the future.

Creating a society of Malaysia in particular students who are sensitive to issues of governance and related matters is very necessary for any proposals and policies to be implemented by the government to be understood by all parties. The culture of simply not caring within the Malaysian society must be eradicated immediately so that they will not be oppressed by any proposals and systems that do not provide benefits and advantages. Exposure towards the challenges and realities happening in the country and the world is seen to be able to provide positive input to the community.

Social transformation will be better accomplished if some of the negative elements present in this country are contained and eradicated immediately. For example, social problems, crime rates and the security level should be investigated and evaluated as best as possible. I suggest that the government set a clear target on this matter such as the target percentage of reduction in crimes and social ills in the society. If this really happens, then the transformation program carried out should be a positive thing for the country. The KPI measure on the effectiveness of any policies introduced by the government should be in line with the current realities of society.

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA,
PRESIDENT,
STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA 2009/2010