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| Republished from New Straits Times, Dec 5, 2022, with the author’s permission. Read the original here. |
MALAYSIANS have suddenly become good at maths, especially when it concerns the numbers 222, 111, 81, 73, 30, 23, eight and zero.
You hear that “this doesn’t add up”, “they cannot be put together”, “what if there is a need to subtract when someone pulls out?” and “how long do you think these numbers will hold?”
We’re not talking about a simple maths test. The stakes are higher.
It’s about whether the unity government can last the distance of about 1,825 days as some sore losers may pull the rug out from under it.
Let’s also hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can prove his support in Parliament on Dec 19.
It’s also important for Anwar to prove his mettle after his ministers have been firmed up. Then they will have to hit the ground running to save the country.
It won’t be easy for the office-bearers but they have to accept that hard work will be the order of the day.
Too much time has been expended on politicking since February 2020 when the government fell.
Since then, nothing much has happened, save for financial aid for the people, allowing people to prematurely withdraw their savings from a provident fund, and stemming the spread of Covid-19.
People’s welfare must be given priority.
We’re lagging behind Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.
Anwar hit the nail on the head when, on the campaign trail, he said he would prioritise revitalising the economy.
He and his team have to ensure the people’s wellbeing.
It’s about giving them access to reasonably priced quality food, healthcare and well-paying jobs.
Anwar set the right tone when he met heads of government departments two days after his swearing-in. The rallying of his troops is key to creating a mental revolution among civil servants to work hard for the government.
- Datuk Yong Soo Heong is a former chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Bernama. Read more about him here.
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