268 0 Kommentare Malaysia's Former Minister of Defence, Hishammuddin Hussein, Declares That His Country Deserves Better - Seite 2

Mr. Hussein said: "Malaysia seems to be stuck in a whirlwind of hate speech and fake news, fueled by worsening racial relations that both sides of the political divide are responsible for. But who must lead the solution? We as the political leaders of the country must take charge and realise we need to fix this before it gets worse. I admit, this may not be an easy journey, but we must persevere. There may be many incidents where lashing out will seem like the easiest option, but don't give in. Good sense and sincerity must prevail in wanting to see Malaysia move forward. If we, as leaders, truly care about the good people of our nation, we must take leadership and heal those who are hurt."

Commenting on the current status of the country's economy, Mr. Hussein said: "Admittedly, the economy has also taken a hit due to this political uncertainty following the aftermath of the 14^th General Elections. Commodity prices are falling, unemployment is on the rise and people are not feeling the boost in their wallets that they were hoping for. Austerity measures and belt tightening only serve as short-term stop gap measures and do not benefit the nation in the long run. I believe that whatever policies implemented today will be only be overshadowed and not have a positive impact on the people until political stability and certainty is restored," adding, "furthermore, we must not discount the risks involving security surrounding the country, with unwanted forces potentially exploiting our divided society. Threats to national unity, combined with a flagging economy, and security threats serve a potent and dangerous mix for Malaysia's future."

On the need to chart a new way forward for Malaysia, Mr. Hussein said: "We must stop and realise - it is now the time to heal. It will take a lot of courage, and decisions made may not be popular – but this is crucial and needs to be addressed and deliberated with sense and not emotion. We must do more to create a nation, which our children and grandchildren will be grateful to be living in. The good people of Malaysia want to see some sense in all this chaos, and they must see these efforts as foundations laid down for a brighter future."

He added: "We cannot deny that it has to start somewhere, and the Malays have taken a proactive initiative with our own household, but it must not stop there. We must be optimistic in bringing a positive narrative forward, to build on what has been done to include all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion and creed."

Echoing the chant on Malaysia Deserves Better, the former minister urged his countrymen: "to work patiently, to unite our fractured nation, to heal the divide, and to endure whatever tomorrow will bring."