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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced a number of open economy measures, including liberalising 27 service sub-sectors and abolishing the 30% Bumiputera equity rule. But at the same time, the government attempted to install an Internet filtering system similar to China’s controversial “Green Dam” project while Selangor PAS put forward measures to ban on selling alcohol in the state and politicians opposed to Wang Tak Co Ltd’s purchase of 31.5% stake in Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas).

If it is liberalisation, why are their thoughts going backwards? The small opening up in economic does not mean an opening up for politics, too. Malaysian politicians are lack of a consistent and firm stand. They rapidly change and speak differently in different occasions and periods. With such politicians that are so good at putting on shows, how is our politics going to change?

The country takes a step forward but followed by three steps backwards. For example, in order to keep the basic votes, the authorities allowed the Malay press to play racial issues up and keep emphasizing on racism. How are we going to maintain racial unity if they are playing up with racial sentiments? The people’s unity should not be a political propaganda tool. Instead, it should be more grass-root oriented and it should gain resonance from the people.

Is the country more civilised than the previous year? The way DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock was questioned before he died exposed that humans rights were not respected. And it was not an isolated incident. Reporters, politicians and bloggers were detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) showed that there are still many laws that are outdated and cruel.

In terms of economy, Malaysia's first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) this year contracted by 6.2% and it will be as well a contraction for the second quarter. The country has been suffering an economic recession and the government is basically depends on the world economy’s recovery to get out of the current situation.

However, Deutsche Bank Group global chief economist Dr Norbert Walter pointed out that the bank expected Malaysia's growth to resume and go back to 3% next year. However, he said, Malaysia was unlikely to achieve 5% growth as investments were not strong. That is to say, Malaysia will become a country with a mediocre economy.

With the attacks of the influenza and haze, as well as the extreme confusion political situation, the Merdeka Month is bleak. It makes us miss even more the late famous director, Yasmin Ahmad. She represented the openness and the progressive force of Malaysia, but how many Yasmin does Malaysia have? (By LIM SUE GOAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)

( The opinions expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect those of MySinchew )
MySinchew 2009.08.10