MOST Malaysians are better off educationally and financially compared with 20 years ago; even the disabled have considerable skills and means to go the extra mile. Do we still need crutches to help us get along?
Crutches should be temporary, like when we have a fractured knee. Once healed, they are put aside. Similarly, a nation that has been on crutches for many years should progressively move on to the next phase. Crutches are never good for the long term — they create dependence and entitlement that stifle effort.
Much has been said about the New Economic Policy and how the debate has become polarised over the years. But the NEP, introduced after the 1969 racial riots, was to reduce inequality and eradicate poverty, irrespective of race. A revolutionary move to bring Malays on a par.
And it did just that — over the decades, poverty has been reduced, the middle class has grown, and the economy has diversified. Malaysians are more urbanised and live longer. These developments are what we should be looking at now and how we can move forward in our march towards 2025.
Certainly not by expressing dissatisfaction or finding fault with race, the haves and have-nots. Yes indeed, life is a struggle. But consider personalities who are living life at full throttle despite their age — Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at 94, is still driving the nation forward; retired police commissioner Tan Sri John Joe Raj Jr, who is 98, is still serving as a member of the Federal Pardons Board; Tan Sri Ahmad Merican, the doyen of broadcasting, who turns 95 in November, still has his batteries fully charged; and Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, at 76, is still the “iron lady”. What do these personalities have? Drive and determination.
When one thinks about it, Malaysians are incredibly indulgent with their time, energy and resources. Why not utilise the time and energy to learn new skills, extend the frontier, go into new ventures and build new relationships?
The recent United Nations poverty report suggests that some Malaysians still live below the poverty level. True, but, the government has always assisted the vulnerable — this Leader believes it will continue to do so. In these times of tough economic conditions, vulnerable groups need a helping hand. But that’s where the assistance should stop.
Crutches should be removed from the well-to-do. Time to reframe the NEP and redefine the target groups. At the heart of the matter is a redistribution of wealth. Welfare measures, especially for the needy must be emphasised — education, scholarships, affordable healthcare and public housing. Additionally, the tax system must be made progressive.
We should look at how we can expand the economic pie so more Malaysians will benefit from it. Trivialise over issues, whine and gripe — and we’ll be stuck in mediocrity. Inspirational writer William A. Ward once said the pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, “but the realist adjusts the sail”.
Aren’t Malaysians realists?