Reform now, Najib!

The 1 Malaysia concept coined by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as soon as he assumed the office from his predecessor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is a new buzz word in politics now.

In less than 100 days after assuming the highest office in the country, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has won accolades from Malaysians for his bravery and far looking vision.

The Prime Minister has decided to open up the economy i.e. lifting of 30% bumiputra equity in 27 sub sectors and the decision to raise foreign equity for investment banks and insurers to 70 per cent but retained a 30 per cent limit in local commercial banks in a mixed bag of incentives to boost the financial services industry.

This decision despite long overdue is very much welcomed by everyone in the business community in particular for it means that there would be an even level playing field which will definitely augur well for the overall development for this country.

Despite not totally opening up our economy, I must say this is a move in the right direction and a good policy is definitely coming the way albeit slowly but surely.

There are even talks among the higher ups that the New Economic Policy or NEP should be re-looked as this policy which has been in existence since the 1970’s to help uplift the living standard of the bumiputra may not be relevant anymore today.

A survey conducted recently suggests that the new generation of Malays are ready for the meritocracy system to be enforced and this latest development should be a point for ponder for the new administration.

There may be argument that whether the survey conducted truly reflects the sentiment on the ground which warrant the abolishment of the NEP as it may only apply to certain segment of the Malay community.

To me, the 1 Malaysia concept should be the term of reference for any policies to be implemented by the new administration as the Prime Minister must know exactly what he wants to achieve for this country of over 20 million population of various races.

While some may cast doubt on whether the new Prime Minister would be able to turn his words into actions, I myself would take a more reasonable outlook and try to uphold my optimism that things will get better from now onwards.

The NEP must include the whole spectrum of the society regardless of whether one is a Malay, Chinese or Indian for if our country wants to be steadfast and move ahead with time, inclusiveness is the only way forward.

The BN administration cannot afford to exclude any single race in implementing policies if it wants to regain the confidence of the people, especially the non bumiputra whom have openly revolted against the BN in the elections.

There will definitely be some pressures from within Umno for Datuk Seri Najib to be the guardian of the Malay special rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

But in this new century of Malaysia and as shown in the survey where the new generation of Malays are ready for even playing field, the new Prime Minister must know how to manoeuvre carefully not to ruffle the feathers of his fellow Umno members who have been the champion of the Malay rights.

At the same time, Datuk Seri Najib must ensure that no other races other than Malays are left behind as the country moves forward.

Definitely this is a mounting task for anyone, not only Datuk Seri Najib who sits up there for a single wrong move may cost political downfall for BN.

The Prime Minister must strike a balance to ensure that every Malaysian benefits from whatever policies and that no single race is offended in return.

It takes the whole team of administration to work together in good faith to push forward the “inclusiveness” policies for the betterment and future of this country.

Procrastinating on this matter will further delay and make Malaysia uncompetitive in the eye of the world.

The time is now and not later for Datuk Seri Najib to push for the much needed reform and he should walk the talk to regain the lost confidence of those who voted against BN.