Reconciliation process is practical and workable
Saifuddin AbdullahPublished: Jan 30, 2014 4:38 AM | Updated: Jan 30, 2014 4:41 AM
On behalf of the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM), I welcome and fully support the move by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (as mentioned in his statement on Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014), to lead a ‘National Reconciliation’ process through unity and consensus.
The process is practical and workable because of several factors. Firstly, it is comprehensive, because it covers a wide and strategic framework i.e. social, political, government and international relations. Secondly, it is progressive, because it promises to uphold democratic principles, like freedom of speech.
Thirdly, it is participative, because it will involve engagement and consultation with the people, including the grassroots and youths. And fourthly, it is a new way of governing, because it is more inclusive and opens up possibilities of bi-partisan collaboration between the BN and Pakatan.
This is indeed a timely announcement that has been long awaited by many. In this context, Najib first made the proposal for reconciliation in his victory speech after the GE13 result was announced on May 5, 2013. This was followed with his launching of the National Unity Consultation Council on Nov 25, 2013.
In the meantime, Universiti Malaya’s Centre for Democracy and Election (Umcedel) survey showed that 67 percent of the people want BN and Pakatan to work together on fundamental areas in nation building. And recently, opposition head Anwar Ibrahim made a suggestion for national consensus.
I am optimistic that this process is part of the journey of New Politics, i.e., bringing our political culture to a higher level and towards a mature and progressive democracy. New Politics comprises four major components: integrity, new governance framework, innovations in democracy and progressive political thoughts.
The National Reconciliation process may take some time to realise its objectives. There might also be challenges and (hopefully not) resistance. I urge all Malaysians, especially politicians from both side of the divide and the ‘middle ground’ (youths, the academia, professionals, technocrats, entrepreneurs, media and civil society) to support this process for a better Malaysia.
SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH is chief executive officer, Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM).
The process is practical and workable because of several factors. Firstly, it is comprehensive, because it covers a wide and strategic framework i.e. social, political, government and international relations. Secondly, it is progressive, because it promises to uphold democratic principles, like freedom of speech.
Thirdly, it is participative, because it will involve engagement and consultation with the people, including the grassroots and youths. And fourthly, it is a new way of governing, because it is more inclusive and opens up possibilities of bi-partisan collaboration between the BN and Pakatan.
This is indeed a timely announcement that has been long awaited by many. In this context, Najib first made the proposal for reconciliation in his victory speech after the GE13 result was announced on May 5, 2013. This was followed with his launching of the National Unity Consultation Council on Nov 25, 2013.
In the meantime, Universiti Malaya’s Centre for Democracy and Election (Umcedel) survey showed that 67 percent of the people want BN and Pakatan to work together on fundamental areas in nation building. And recently, opposition head Anwar Ibrahim made a suggestion for national consensus.
I am optimistic that this process is part of the journey of New Politics, i.e., bringing our political culture to a higher level and towards a mature and progressive democracy. New Politics comprises four major components: integrity, new governance framework, innovations in democracy and progressive political thoughts.
The National Reconciliation process may take some time to realise its objectives. There might also be challenges and (hopefully not) resistance. I urge all Malaysians, especially politicians from both side of the divide and the ‘middle ground’ (youths, the academia, professionals, technocrats, entrepreneurs, media and civil society) to support this process for a better Malaysia.
SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH is chief executive officer, Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMM).
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