Post Sibu Challenge: A Referendum and A Dialogue For The Rainbow Nation

While I am happy that a miracle happened in Sibu’s by-election on 16th May 2010, the 2% margin of victory for the DAP does pose some questions about how Sibuans regard the nation as a whole. I personally do not think it is an easy task for Pakatan Rakyat to win the next GE given their internal weaknesses. If only the rest of Malaysia is as mature and sensible as Sibu voters.

Having said that, the Sibu election victory for DAP and shock defeat for BN/SUPP may signal another turning point that will tilt the balance in favour of Pakatan Rakyat if they get their house in order. The UK elections and the unlikely coalition between the Tories/Liberal Democrats is also an encouraging sign for the new politics.

What the voters in Sibu and the majority of Chinese in Hulu Selangor and all Msians want from their politicians is to come to the table and have a meaningful dialogue, a real discussion with the people on what they want to see in this country: fairness to all, economic transparency and efficiency, religious harmony and mutual understanding, etc.

Perhaps, PM Najib is well-advised to seek a national referendum on major issues that the electorate wants to see resolved once and for all. In doing so, he will take one small but major step in showing he is sincere about fulfilling the 1Malaysia vision and abandoning the old school of divisive politics.

The Allah issue was not an issue until the home ministry and the government took actions that threatened to undermine the constitutional fabric of the multi-racial and multi-religious country.

Sibuans and the Foo Chows know their real future does not lie in just cash handouts and vote-buying gains for Sibu but in more long-term issues.

Man does not live by bread alone. So the bread-for-vote tactic of BN/SUPP is a total failure.

Clearly, the prayers of Christians in this country and abroad have done wonders. I praise God that my church in Peninsular recently prayed that what He had started on March 8th 2008 to be completed in this nation. With God's grace, we are on our way to a rainbow nation.

Politically and intellectually Malaysians need to rise above their circumstances and show their politicians the mature statesmanship and leadership which all citizens deserve.

Allow me to quote this Proverb that is so relevant for all Malaysian leaders on both sides of the aisle:

"By justice, a king (leader) gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes (members of parliament, voters, etc) tears it down."

Let us not allow our country to be torn down by this spirit of bribing, vote-buying and corruption. Let us rebuild this nation with love, wisdom, mature dialogue and unassailable integrity.