Economic Crisis: Between Political Interest And People's Need

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The ball is now in the opposition's court, but based on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's reaction to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak's invitation to work together in facing the economic crisis, it is unlikely they will play the game.
Instead of welcoming Najib and Barisan Nasional's (BN) suggestion for both parties to set aside political differences and work together to weather the global recession, the opposition leader has cast doubt over BN's sincerity.
Pointing out the refusal of the BN government to include opposition lawmakers in drafting the second stimulus package which was tabled on Tuesday, as well as the toppling of the opposition state government in Perak, Anwar said those were signs of insincerity.
Perhaps, Anwar was just doing his job as an opposition leader -- to oppose and politicise everything the government has planned, even if it is for the betterment of the 26 million Malaysians.
Opposition members of parliament (MPs) too, are shouldering responsibility to work hand-in-hand with the ruling party when it comes to the people's interest, a political observer said.
"Opposition MPs are actually part of the government and today, their role is not just to oppose, but also to support if the policy tabled by the ruling party is good.
"Similarly, the ruling party too, has to play its part and should take into consideration any recommendation and suggestion from the other side," said Prof Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid.
The former dean of Humanity and Social Science Faculty at the Tun Abdul Razak University, said the current situation called for the unification of both parties.
"Not everything should be politicised. All parties must be ready to do the right thing, based on the values which prioritise the people's needs and unity," he said.
Ibrahim added that the majority of the people were already tired with the inablity of the leaders to prioritise, in issues of interest.
"The people are tired of political games and they want political stability to overcome the current economic downturn," he said.
On Tuesday, Najib, who is also finance minister, tabled the second stimulus package worth RM60 billion in the Government's effort to cushion the impact of the global economic crisis.
In his speech, the deputy prime minister had called on the opposition to join hands with the ruling party to prevent the country from sliding into the depths of recession.
Calls for leaders to focus more on the economy, which was echoed since last year, seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as politicians continue to be indulged in political dramas.
With three by-elections appearing on the horizon, only time will tell if these leaders would temporarily set aside their political agendas and put the people's interest first.

tunku : the opposition always give example to look at usa, how democratic they are but they fails to follow their opposition way there.when it comes to nation's interest both government and opposition joins hand and come to terms but it is so sad that our opposition are way behind that standard, moreover with anwar the moron as their leader. he is more interested in personal glory than the people.