Moving Forward this is the way to go for Malaysia

By Stephen Ng

         Everyone is talking about the coming general election, but what is more important is to talk about Malaysia, moving forward. 

Allow me to elaborate. I learnt from the state assemblyman of Subang Jaya, YB Michelle Ng that in order to solve the traffic congestion in her constituency, there is a  need to build a road that may encroach slightly into the reserve land belonging to a highway developer. 

The Subang Jaya Municipal Council had requested the developer to build a road that would ease the traffic congestion for the residents. The kind developer had agreed, but before construction could proceed, the Drainage Department and two other parties have to give their approval.

Because Michelle knew that I have been in touch with Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof for a number of years now, she asked if I could do her a favour. As it would involve little time on my part, and if the problem is solved, it would greatly help the residents of Subang Jaya; so, I attempted to bring this matter to the good minister via WhatsApp as usual so that he could read the messages when he is free.

Minister Phoned ADUN from Opposition

As expected, the minister immediately responded the moment he could read the messages. His response was to let me know that he would check with the parties concerned. And, by about 8:30pm, he called to brief me about the matter saying that he would ask the parties concerned to see how a good solution could be found.

I am only an ordinary rakyat with no titles or wealth, but for the minister to respond in such a manner, it only shows what kind of ministers we have from East Malaysia. From my experience dealing with Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (Sabah) and Fadillah, and I must also add to their credit others from West Malaysia as well, such as Dr Fong Chan Onn, Idris Jala, Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and even Rafidah Aziz who has long retired from her ministerial position; they are all people who know how to be humble with people. 

        I mention specifically our East Malaysian ministers because they are more relationship based people who have a lot to teach our ministers, Menteri Besar, State Exco, Parliamentarians and State Assemblymen from both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan especially those who become aloof after they win an election.

That's What Rakyat Expect to See

Fadillah and Anifah's attitude puts them at a different level, being the type of leaders we want to see in our politicians. Often, it does not take too much time for them or their officers to respond to public complaints, but I find that even amongst those in PH, there are many who only understand ceramah and one-way communication.

        Not to mention that in BN the same thing has been happening for many years now, which explains why people worked against them during the last few general elections. 

The story did not end there. The next day, Michelle updated me to say that Fadillah had also called her on the phone to explain. I believe the solution is just a matter of time when a good solution can finally be crafted out for the sake of the people. 

      But having a minister calling a state assemblyperson from a different camp is something you won’t expect from most people at that level. 

We do not expect the minister or the parties concerned to compromise on the safety of motorists, but if policies are designed to serve the people, they should not be cast in stones. There are situations when encroachment into a road reserve may be necessary for the good for all, after all, we have seen so many other compromises that are more bizarre. 

        So long as it does not cause accidents, and a road expansion years hereafter can still be done despite a slight realignment, we should hopefully see the approval coming for the residents of Subang Jaya. Or at least more heads coming together to solve a people’s problem. 

Our Expectations from Both Sides Moving Forward

This, my fellow Malaysians, is what we all want to see in Malaysia, moving forward. In parliament or in state assembly, we EXPECT politicians to “battle” it out at the top of their voices. In ceramah, we understand that they have to be persuasive enough to win our votes.

But, outside of parliament and the state assembly, we EXPECT to see them having a cup of teh tarik together and laugh over things, rather than harbouring hatred against each other.

      We also EXPECT them to prioritise the people’s issues above all else, and see how both sides can work together to resolve the problems. Either way, both ruling and opposition are there to serve the people.

      This is the way forward for a better Malaysia. I cannot think of any other ways. 

      For the disclaimer, I am only a networker. Everywhere I go, I have the habit of taking down people's number. Never know if I may need to get in touch with them. This is not a name dropping exercise nor should anyone expect me to help them to get government contracts. Although I have been chatting with the so-called VIPs nearly every day, I do not seek contracts myself; or else, I would have easily become a millionaire by now.