Yesterday was historical day for not only Malaysians but also the global citizens of the world. The ruling party has been in control of government since Malaya (Malaysia sans Singapore, Sabah & Sarawak of Borneo) gained independence from The British Empire on 31st August 1957. In democracy, it is perfectly fine for one to hold the helm for over half a century (61 years to be exact for this case). I give full credits to the original founding fathers & ruling coalition party who did a tremendous job to grow Malaysia from a third world country to a developing country from independence to late 1980s. On top of that, Malaysia is one of the most peaceful country in the world (since World War 2) and naturally is top travel destination of the world (especially since Air Asia come to light over a decade ago).
At this very moment of writing, former prime minister of Malaysia Tun Dr. Mahathir will (hopefully) be sworn as the new prime minister of Malaysia. He lead the opposition party to victory and is viewed as beacon of hope to many Malaysians. At his current age of 92, he is close to the very end of his journey as a leader and will be the world's oldest leader. It is just the matter of time when he has pass his mantle to someone and it is no secret that his party is working hard on the succession plan. The future of Malaysia seems uncertain but there are reasons to be optimistic. What I feel proud about this election is that Malaysians are united to oust the incumbent party. In the past, the trump cards used by the coalition party always falls to race/ethnicity & religion. Both are important culture and identity of Malaysia. Fact is, racial tension and conflicts occurs almost exclusively on news media (particularly the ones controlled by the government). NEVER have my friends, family, myself or visitors from overseas ever come across with discrimination or uncomfortable situation due to our ethnicity or belief. I am sure most in Malaysia would share the same sentiment with me but those from overseas sometimes read news that may be true but exaggerated. Similar to what Singaporeans think that there is a 90% chance of getting rob during their visit in Malaysia or what people from the tropics thinks that some in Canada still live in an igloo.
I always consider myself a Canadian first. Love it or not, I am Malaysian one way or another as I have spent 60% of my life living in this wonderful country which I learn to love. Over the next few months, there will be wave of changes to come. Like many, I look forward to the upcoming changes.
You can view the manifesto from the soon to be ruling party below:
1) Elimination of the highly unpopular Goods & Service Tax with intention to ease the burden of average Malaysian citizens - I am never a fan of the GST introduced 3 years ago. However, I am realistic as GST is a good source of income for the government to fund and build the country. I am anxious to see how this plays out.
2) Reintroduce fuel subsidies - Also meant to ease burden of Malaysians. I am never a fan of subsidies (be it consumer staples like sugar and rice or other sectors such as consumer discretionary) because people take these essential resources for granted and there are too much wastage from overuse and abuse.
3) Abolish FELDA (Federal Land and Development Authority) settler's debt - No comment on this matter as I am not familiar with the agriculture sector.
4) Introduction of Employee's Provident Fund to homemakers - Not familiar with he logistics or how to get it work, but as someone with a Math & Economic degree, I learn that housewives plays a very significant economic role in society.
5) Increase the minimum wage - Wage and cost of living have a generally positive correlation, but if implemented correctly, it can help reduce the poverty rate for the nation and could benefit the society.
6) Restructuring of PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) to reduce burden of repayment of loan for fresh university graduates - Just like subsidies, there are too many who abuse the education loan program and take every step to reduce or refuse repayment of debt at the great expense of tax payers and new college/university students.
7) Solve the ongoing scandals of government and government linked corporations - "Solving" and transparency of Royal Commission is extremely subjective. It should be done but not at the extreme expense to tax payers.
8) Recognise Sabah & Sarah's autonomous right as per Malaysia Agreement 1963 - Not familiar with this matter but I hope the Borneo state will prosper under the new government as they are resource rich and has more opportunity to develop than Peninsula Malaysia.
9) Healthcare scheme to for the family of low household income to receive treatment at private clinics - I applaud this decision as the waiting line in general hospitals are prohibitively long.
10) Review all mega projects signed with foreign (namely China) countries/corporation - This will be tricky but I feel encourage that the new government is taking the unsurmountable task to go over this process.
Thank You For Reading My Post. I am most passionate about photography and eager to help fellow Steemians to improve on their photography skill. I am happy to give free tutorial, offer advice and step by step instructions to help you take better photos. You can contact me on Discord at orangila#9358
