Together Lets March Towards Putrajaya

On Sunday, October 21, 2012, Seng Giaw Tan wrote:


Speech by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Deputy National Chairman and MP for Kepong at the Pakatan Rakyat Special Convention in Kuantan on 21.10.2012.

I am happy to be with you at this Covention which is a meaningful and historical event. We face various problems. We have to find a way so that together we can march towards Putrajaya.

The Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib reiterates that PR is not capable of holding the rein of Federal Government. Today, we are gathered here to analyse the situation and to tell the Prime Minister that his view is wrong. We know that the framework of Barisan Nasional (BN) is dilapidated. We know that this cannot be transformed. We know that this dilapidated framework has to be replaced by PR system, consistent with the modern world.

After 55 years of Merdeka

Time changes. Fifty five years ago, the founding fathers led by Tunku Abdul Rahman laid down the foundation for Merdeka in the Federal Constitution with ideals, values and principles on basic rights, freedom and happiness. After 55 years, the face of Malaysia has changed from an agricultural country towards industrial society, from half a university, a branch of University of Malaya from Singapore, to 20 public universities. After 55 years, there is lack of fairness in many policies. After 55 years, Lynas rare earth factory with slowly radioactive waste has been built in Gebeng, Kuantan. After 55 years, the gap between the poor and the rich is wide. After 55 years, there is lack of unity among the races. After 55 years, the quality of education from primary, secondary to tertiary levels is still doubtul. After 55 years, corruption is rife.

Now People Are Aware

Now, people are aware that the ideals, the principles and the values enshrined in the Federal Constitution are still far off. Multiple factors contribute to serious crimes and gangsterism among the races. Now, people are aware that the BN system of government must be replaced to create a more equal society. YAB Najib talks of 1 Malaysia. His deputy YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin stresses on 2 Malaysia. Now, the people are aware that YAB Najib reiterates on transformations. For example, economic transformation involves 130 projects with total investment estimated at RM203.1 billion. Unfortunately, there is lack of transparency and accountability. Now, the people are aware that Transparency International estimates that the leakages in Malaysia are over 30 percent. Just imagine the leakages for RM203.1 billion may be more than RM70 billion.

Now, the people are aware that YAB Najib says that ethical values must be practised to tackle corruption at grassroots level. But, when a Chief Minister leaves the chair as the state EXCO meeting approves vast parcels of land to his or her relatives, he or she cannot be charged for corruption according to the existing laws. If he or she were to be in Hong Kong or Singapore, he or she would have been languishing in jail.

Now, the people are aware that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must be elevated to be a service commission, responsible only to parliament. It requires 5,000 personnel. But, it only has 1,600 excluding administrative staff members. The 2013 national budget allocates only RM276 million and an annual increase of 150 personnel whereas it needs at least RM 400 million and personnel increase of RM 500 a year.

We have hopes

We have the hope of replacing BN in Putrajaya as the Federal Government. We have the hope of trying to achieve the ideals, the values and the principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution. We have the hope of using our capability to run the Federal Government. We have the hope of managing the federal finance effectively as shown in the PR state governments such as Penang and Selangor. We have the hope of implementing PR policies as contained in the Orange Book.

We must be truly determined to overcome the obstacles and to uphold the wishes of the people, such as dealing with Lynas Rare Earth factory.

Sungai Kuantan ikan kurang,
   Pendayung patah balik lelah lesu;
Kilang Lynas perlu ditentang,
   Nak pecah ruyung mendapat sagu.

We have the opportunity to fight for the rights of life and the pursuits of happiness for Malaysians. We explain to the people the goodies and the subsidies offered by BN are from taxes.

Kita mempunyai peluang untuk memberi rakyat hak-hak kehidupan dan pengejaran mencapai kebahagiaan. Kita menerangkan gula-gula yang dihulurkan oleh BN. Ibarat burung mulut manis jangan dipakai.

We have the opportunity to engage in non-violence struggle for the people. We engage in peaceful struggle.

Kita mempunyai peluang untuk memperjuangkan matlamatnya tanpa kekerasan. Kita memperjuangkan secara aman dan damai. Kita menghadapi pelbagai rintangan. Ibarat telur, pecah satu pecah semuanya.

Pisang sesikat,
  Gulai sebelanga;
Tanda muafakat,
  Bersama-sama.

Together let us march towards Putrajaya.
Marilah kita bersama-sama memara ke Putrajaya.