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With the dawn of the New Year, many make resolutions in the hope that it would change their lives for the better, while others draw up wish lists in the hope that divine intervention or some other force will provide the amenities and the resources to lead a better quality of life. Over the past two weeks, being free of pressure of deadlines and having the time to sit back and take stock and review the more than 100 columns published in the previous 50 weeks or so, provided some impetus as to what the people can wish for. While detractors may want to argue that what appears below is not reflective of all the people, we have no quarrel with them. Nevertheless, we believe that the majority of right-thinking Malaysians would want to see them happening. The list is not exhaustive, but due to space constraints, it was felt that they must be prioritised:

» We would like to see and hear discussions and healthy debates on public issues without race or religion being drawn into the picture.

How often have we come across public discussions and forums being side-tracked because someone decides to play the race card because he or she can’t hold himself when facts are presented? If after 50 years of being independent, we cannot reason out things without the race element, we have achieved nothing but will still continue to practise the Tuan-hamba mentality.

» Let the people have a say before major changes in policy are implemented.

The sale of Institut Jantung Negara is an example. Weren’t our leaders worried about the backlash from the rakyat? Why then was this whole thing done in secrecy? For the record, Sime Darby informed Bursa Malaysia only after the attempted sale appeared in the blogs. Why should an institution, a healthcare provider at that, built with people’s money, be transferred into the hands of the private sector? Yes, the government has done the right thing by making public the toll concessions, but it should have been done before the concessions were signed. It would have allowed the people to have their say in projects that will affect their pockets.

» Let good governance be the order of the day. Let accountability and transparency be the buzzwords for a clean, efficient and trustworthy government.

The present government was elected on a premise of “more openness”. But this has not happened. We hear of private deals and contracts being given out on “negotiations-basis”. While we agree with the affirmative requirements to help some communities, they should be done on a fair and competitive basis but not someone who takes the job and sub-contracts it to third parties. Make open tenders the rule in all government contracts. While the cheapest may not be the best, let the public judge and comment on the selection process.

» Our civil servants must do what is best for the country and its citizens, not what the politicians want. They must realise that they are employed to serve the rakyat and that their salaries come from the rakyat’s hard earned money.

For years, the bane of the civil service has been poor service and red tape. Attempts by the prime minister and the chief secretary to the government have been met with disdain and contempt. In short, some operate their own empires and install themselves as emperors, answerable to no one. They have defied directives, refused to implement policy decisions and have chosen to seek protection from their political godfathers. They have to go so that the people have faith in the government system. There must be a thick line between the executive and the civil service. Give the civil servants the support, encouragement and the courage to stand up to high-handed politicians.

» Let’s spend on necessities and not some syiok sendiri projects to appease the minority or to give “opportunities” to businessmen.

The now-abandoned bid to spend RM690 million to build a training centre in Brickendonbury is a shining example. Did we need one? Were the people consulted? While our public hospitals are bursting at the seams with overcrowding and staff shortage, how can anyone justify throwing that kind of money for the benefit of a handful of people?

» Let’s have consistent and fair application of the law. There should not be one set for politicians and another for ordinary mortals.

Last April, this newspaper exposed the transfer of almost RM10 million belonging to Balkis, the association of wives of elected representatives in Selangor. Instead of questioning those who may have broken the rules, the attention was turned to those who broke the story. Similarly, if it is decreed that protests are illegal, treat ALL protesters in the same manner. You can’t train water cannons at one group and turn a blind eye to another group.

R. Nadeswaran had a lot of time to meet readers and discuss their thoughts, opinions and views on issues affecting the nation during his two-week vacation. He is editor (special and investigative reporting) at theSun and can be reached at: citizen-nades@thesundaily.com