Multiracial Malaysia needs rulers with genuine integrity

So what, I would like to ask?

For this citizen of Chinese descent, Malay rule is a given due to our history, racial composition and politics.

To quote Deng Xiaopeng, it doesn’t matter if it is a black or white cat, as long as it can catch the mice.

Similarly, I can accept Malay rule, regardless of which side is in power, as long as it provides good government.

But as a voting citizen, I have hopes and expectations from my leaders. I am fine with Malay rule as long as the leaders cherish and respect the constitution and continue to abide by its provisions.

I have no problem with Malay rule as long as those in power uphold Islam’s position as the official religion but will also respect other religions and protect the right of all Malaysians to practice their faith without discrimination, harassment or fear.

I am okay with Malay rule as long as those who rule are not afraid of the past; who understand that history should not be reinterpreted to make one community look better than others; and who will acknowledge the contributions of other races in the building of the nation.

I will defend a leadership that will not use other races to invoke fear in the Malays by insinuating that ungrateful interlopers are greedy and will steal the nation from under them if they are not careful.

I will support leaders who are strong and courageous to stand firm against those who preach hate and divisiveness, and punish them appropriately, regardless of who they are.

I will cherish a Malay-led government that believes in gender equality; that ends all laws that discriminate against women.

I will admire a leadership that recognises the competition is beyond our shores, and if we don’t stop bickering among ourselves, our country might be left far behind.

I will rejoice to have leaders who embrace meritocracy and nurture and retain all talented citizens, to benefit our society and nation and give us the edge on the international front.

I am all for a principled government that upholds the rule of law, and that means it exercises its power in accordance with well-established and clearly written rules, regulations and legal principles, and no branch of government is above the law, and no public official may act arbitrarily or unilaterally outside the law”. In other words, a leadership that enforces laws with fairness, morality and justice.

I will support those in power who believe in educating and empowering people and not keeping them stupid and poor in order to control them and making them dependent forever.

I will happily live under a leadership that nurtures a thinking society and does not fear dissent or those who challenge its authority through peaceful expression, be it in words, or through art.

I will cherish a leadership that is inclusive, with a consistent message to all, actively promotes true racial accommodation and acceptance, and does not play lip service to mere tolerance.

I will be in awe of leaders who can articulate and defend their policies by speaking with intelligence, backed up with facts and figures, and who do not insult the intelligence of others, especially those who question them.

And I will cheer them on when they promote or defend Malaysia’s interests abroad because they can speak with authority, knowledge and wit.

I will respect leaders who understand that their status does not automatically demand obeisance from others. Rather, they understand they are the people’s servants and respect must be earned.

I will honour a government that is led by leaders who are morally clean and upright, with zero tolerance for corruption, and will not use underhanded means to enrich themselves or keep themselves in power.

I am all for Malay rule as long as my leaders are committed to, and believe in, a multi-racial, multicultural and multi-religious Malaysia, and want to keep it this way.