Federal Government promise- Development is for all Malaysians

The 11^th Malaysia Plan is full of statements of reassurance that this plan is for all Malaysians

This term for all Malaysia or irrespective of ethnicity or race appears 8 times in Chapter 1. Relevant page numbers- (1-1. 1-4, 1-6 (twice), 1-8, 1-12, 1-17 (2 times), 1-18 (1)

There are phrases like “Building a better Malaysia for all Malaysians”

The 11^th Malaysia Plan places people as the centrepiece (pg1-6)

“all segments of society irrespective of geography, ethnicity or income levels are expected to experience an increase in their income and wellbeing” (pg1-6)

“The goal is nothing less than a better quality of life for all Malaysians” (pg 1-6)

“To ensure that all Malaysians are able to participate in and benefit from this growth…” (pg 1-8)

“… protect all Malaysians equally”. (pg 1-17)

“inclusiveness so that no Malaysian is left behind, improved wellbeing for all, human capital development that is future-proof” (pg1-18)

Hard Questions 

Why is there just a high level of distrust among the people towards government’s sayings and promises? Are these phrases just political talk? Why is this so?

Do we take these writings as policy statements or do we just ignore them? How has government acted in the past?

What can we do to ensure that we can hold the government accountable to what they have promised in the policy statements?

How do we ensure that these policy statement can be translated into reality so that the bottom grassroots can truly experience the justice and compassion of the government?

How do we work with the civil service especially at the district level for effective implementation noting the various hurdles such as a predominately Malay civil service who might not have a full aspiration of the complexities of the B40 of the Indian community?