I refer to the statement by ACCCIM president Lim Kok Cheong on Malaysiakini today ('ACCCIM: Didn’t Ali Rustam lose in a Malay majority seat?').

I read it with an open mind and I must congratulate Lim Kok Cheong for his article, which has reflected a very pragmatic view to the extent, a very clean post-mortem of former Malacca CM Mohd Ali Rustam’s speech.  

The fact remains that Ali Rustam lost in his last parliamentary election in a Malay majority state. Which directly cemented a fact, that he never commanded the confidence of the Malay voters in that area.  

The most appropriate self-examination that he should do is to do down-to-earth soul-searching and establish the reason for his downfall. Don’t blame other races, more so the Chinese.

It is true of any leaders who has to make a political comeback, it is time for them to realise that they should not expect unquestionable obedience from society. If this were so, our country will definitely evolve into a more democratic and advance society.  

It is about time - what our society needs now is a down-to-earth government with positive political will to effectively overcome current social and economic problems that will directly or indirectly enhance the people of all races towards achieving the vision of a high income society.

For that matter, please be reminded that for any political leaders to try to win back the confidence of the voters, they must speak and act genuinely and positively. I agree with Lim that negative words and actions would only spoil their chances.

Wake up, Ali Rustam, and any other similar political leader, please do real soul-searching and get the necessary facts right. The rakyat are no longer fools.

ROBERT PHANG is former adviser to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.