Reform process must be tackled correctly
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University rectors have set up working groups to gather reform ideas in six major areas recommended by the National Reform Council - politics, power decentralisation, the justice system, the fight against corruption, education, and science and technology.
Each blue ribbon panel would be chaired by academics and acknowledged experts in their respective fields. The provisional charter identifies 11 areas for reform. The NRC will propose reform ideas to the Constitution Drafting Assembly that will be incorporated in the new charter.
Reform means the improvement or amendment of what is wrong. Reform is basically fine-tuning, distinguished from revolution or radical change.
Reform begins with self-reform, setting achievable goals, standards and expectations which aim to improve society, honing unfair discrepancies in the social system which are characterised by inequality, bias and discrimination.
In our uncertain, quickly changing world, promoting mutual respect, moral ethics, tolerance, multiversity, constructive criticism and free expression must be openly encouraged. Reform must come from within, not without, emphasising “can do”, “will do” positives rather than negative “can’t do” mindsets.
Those involved with implementing reform should be reminded that the major obstacles they will face will most likely be indifference, apathy and complacency.
Five quotes to help guide and inspire the progressive thinking and insightful outlooks of reformists:
_ “We are having this liberty in order to transform our social system, which is full of inequality, discrimination and other things, which conflict with our fundamental rights.”
(B R Ambedkar)
_ “To reform means to shatter one form and to create another, but the two sides of this act are not always equally intended nor equally successful.”
(George Santayana)
_ “Education is not to reform students or amuse them or make them excellent technicians. It is to unsettle their minds, widen their horizons, teach them to think straight, if possible.”
(Robert M. Hutchins)
_ “As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberty.”
(George Washington)
_ “Freedom is absolutely necessary for the progress in science and the liberal arts.”
(Baruch Spinoza)
Charles Frederickson
