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Looking back, 2011 has been a very eventful and yet fruitful year, full of challenges, changes and concrete results. Moving forward, we must welcome 2012 with even greater determination to realise further transformation in the true spirit of 1Malaysia to sustain national harmony and social justice.
Various initiatives under the government and economic transformation programmes have been implemented earnestly to address major concerns of the people, showing some tangible results, in line with the commitment on “People First, Performance Now.” However, greater determination and efforts are still very much needed, especially in the areas of combating crime and corruption, and in further enhancing the pro-business and pro-talent environment to more effectively harness our natural and human resources to bring greater benefits to all Malaysians.
More importantly, some concrete progress has been initiated and implemented in the push for political transformation, in terms of electoral reforms, repeal or review of various restrictive laws, to allow greater freedom of expression and political participation. However, there is still considerable diversity of views and sentiments. Hence, there is need for continued positive and constructive engagement before we could achieve a truly matured democracy with harmony and justice.
In Year 2011, Malaysia achieved the distinction of being amongst the top 20 most peaceful nations in the world and the third in Asia Pacific, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI). However, we need to further strengthen our commitment to the actual practice of moderation and inclusiveness in accordance with the spirit of 1Malaysia, and to combat and contain the words and behaviour of extremism from certain irresponsible leaders. Only then can we sustain peace and harmony in our plural society.
On the political front, I hope that, even in the heat of the pending General Elections, the competition between the two major coalitions and other political parties will take on a more healthy and matured dimension, instead of being embroiled in petty and personal attacks, or worst still, in resorting to using race and religion as platform. I would also like to see a more concrete process of evolution of the Barisan Nasional into a truly 1Malaysia coalition, and a more concerted effort for Gerakan members to practise our “Satu Hati” spirit, both inside and outside the party, so as to more effectively promote 1Malaysia and serve all Malaysians.
On behalf of Gerakan, I wish all Malaysians a Happy and Successful New Year!
Salam 1Malaysia! |
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