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Wednesday, 16 February 2011

Rescuing democracy from malaise a challenge

Diplomatically Speaking By Dennis Ignatius



The tumultuous events that shook Egypt are apparently causing jitters elsewhere. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak surprisingly saw the need to warn against similar moves here.

Few believe that the conditions that prompted mass demonstrations in Egypt presently exist in Malaysia. For one thing, Malaysians are vastly better off economically than the Egyptians. For the most part, Malaysians enjoy a level of comfort and consumerism that is the envy of most of the developing world.

True, Malaysians have become decidedly unhappy with rising living costs, the concentration of wealth and opportunity in the hands of a few well-connected people, and widespread corruption. For now, however, these concerns are far from the point where they could conceivably find expression in a “day of rage”.

The most important difference, however, that mitigates against an Egyptian-style revolt here is that we already have in place a democratic system that gives the people the power to effect change through the ballot box.
The lessons we must learn from Egypt are of another kind: that democracy is a precious right that people in other nations have had to fight and die for. It must never be taken for granted or allowed to wither through neglect or indifference.

And therein lies the nub of our problem: our democracy, and the key institutions associated with it, has been in slow decline for some years now.

Malaysia is increasingly viewed as a “flawed” democracy. The recent Economist Democracy Index ranked Malaysia 71 out of 167 countries, behind even Indonesia, Namibia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea.

Rescuing our democracy from the malaise that has beset it is a key challenge, and arguably our most important task.

Democracy is more than simply casting a ballot once every few years; it is a way of life, a frame of mind, an attitude of heart, where citizens actively and tangibly participate in the political life of their nation through a myriad of different ways – turning out to vote, engaging political representatives and holding them accountable, participating in dialogue and debate, staying informed on issues and making informed decisions, standing up for fundamental rights, etc.

Passivity is the great enemy of democracy. The people themselves must be the guardians of their own freedom.

Fortunately, Malaysians appear to be increasingly vocal participants in the democratic process. They have not been afraid to take to the streets to peacefully express their displeasure or to support causes they believe in.

They are speaking out and challenging long established taboos. They have shown that they are ready to take a chance on the unknown and even elect political neophytes to office if it will help to improve the overall democratic climate in the country. Civil society groups are also more active, well organised and better supported.

All this augurs well for our democracy, though we still have some way to go. Democracy is, after all, always a work in progress. If our democracy is to prosper, democratic transformation and change must become a priority.

Intrinsic to this is an end to the culture of impunity. For too long, public officials who abuse their position have managed to evade justice. There is a sense that those with privilege and good connections are above the law. This is harmful to democracy.

Citizens of a democracy also need to be on guard against demagoguery and those who pander to narrow racial or religious sentiment. There is already too much of this in Malaysia and it is detrimental to our democracy. Character, principle and dedicated service should matter far more than racial or religious considerations.

As well, citizens of a free nation must be in the forefront of defending the democratic institutions, including a free press, an independent judiciary and a responsive parliament, that give substance to their democracy.

The curtailment of press freedom, for example, has weakened our democracy. Only a free and fearless press can keep governments accountable and citizens well informed. It is not a luxury we can do without; it is necessary for the survival of our democracy.

Our justice system also needs to be overhauled. The reputation of some of our judges has been tarnished and their impartiality questioned. Our police force is plagued by corruption and seen as abusive and disrespectful of the rights of citizens.

Last but not least, our Parliament must be transformed into the true heart of our democracy instead of being little more than a rubber stamp. Many of our elected representatives appear to owe little or no allegiance to the people who voted for them. If we are to give meaning to our democracy, we must demand more of those we elect to represent us.

George Bernard Shaw once quipped that democracy ensures that we shall be governed no better than we deserve. Malaysia deserves better and it is up to the people to ensure that we get it. That is what the people at Liberation Square are discovering.

> Datuk Dennis Ignatius is a 36-year veteran of the Malaysian foreign service. He has served in London, Beijing and Washington and was ambassador to Chile and Argentina. He was twice Undersecretary for American Affairs. He retired as High Commis­sioner to Canada in July 2008.

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Malaysia's diversity should be source of our strength, but half-past-six only !



DEBATES over rights, race, religion, language, education and government handouts or spending do not appear to cease anytime soon.

We often wonder whether those championing these issues are for the rakyat, or to serve their vested interest, such as boosting their own popularity.

As the disagreements are mostly over the means to an end, the ultimate aim remains largely unknown. Many issues are in stalemate with no outcome.

It would be more fruitful to arrive to a consensus on common goals first and then allow various approaches to attain them.

Our diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength. For example, multi-racial Malaysia has succeeded in being among the top three outsourcing nations globally, behind India and China.

Indeed, Malaysians can stand tall in the global arena if all its citizens are given the opportunity and support to work for anything they so desire.

We should adopt the motto “Work for it”.

Rent seeking, corruption, stealing and cheating should be equally loathed as all these activities rake in money without putting in an honest day’s work.

Likewise, our children should work for any electronic gadget they fancy, through either getting good grades or doing chores in the house. They would also treasure what they have earned.

Similarly, fighting for rights to enjoy freebies, discounts and prolonged use of crutches further weakens the recipients when they should be strengthened to compete, at home and abroad.

The only way to compete successfully is investing in quality education.

Malaysians may take pride that many of us can speak in several languages or dialects. Unfortunately, most of us are master of none.

As language is the key to learning, we need to master at least one language to speak, read, write and think deeply and clearly, in order to excel.

We have been trying to get more non-Malays enrolled in national schools but have overlooked the fact that most of the students in national schools have not mastered the Malay language.

This becomes evident after they graduate from universities and start working. They are not able to think or write a report well.

Sadly, the scourge has affected even some top disciplines. Already, senior lawyers and doctors are ringing the alarm bells on recent graduates.

The all round deterioration of education can be attributed to the students not putting in sufficient genuine work.

This endemic culture is continued in the workplace where people look for shortcuts to acquire wealth or success instead of working for them.

Those who are prepared to work for the things they truly need deserve the support of all parties and should be given every opportunity to do so.

We should stop spoiling our children and citizens.

“Work for it” should become the clarion call for all responsible parents and leaders.

Y.S. CHAN,
Kuala Lumpur.

Internet scams rise targeting e-banking accounts

By P. ARUNA  aruna@thestar.com.my



PETALING JAYA: If you have an Internet banking account, like many do in this modern IT era, take immediate notice.

The number of Malaysians falling prey to Internet banking scams is increasing by the day.

Cyber criminals are on the prowl looking for account holders gullible enough to reveal the two most vital pieces of data — their username and password.

They use fake banking websites, known as “phishing” sites, to try and trap the account holders.

If you fall for it, you can have your entire account wiped out in minutes, depending on the amount of money you have and the transfer limit set by the bank.

According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, a total of 1,426 reports were made last year compared to 634 received in 2009.

It said at least 900 unique phishing sites targeting local financial institutions have been discovered.

The body said those who fell prey are usually new Internet banking account holders and people who don’t understand Internet security.

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