GEORGE TOWN: A strong and stable government can only be formed on the back of a strong mandate and one that is anchored by leaders who genuinely work together for the benefit of its people.
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said any government, comprising people of differing and opposing political ideologies who only come together for the sole purpose of wresting political power, would not and could not be good for the country.
According to the country’s fifth prime minister, it is unwise to elect leaders who share the same bed but yet have different dreams.
“An election is not a game of chance, neither it is an excuse to change for the sake of changing as there is no system that is perfect.
“Malaysians should be honest with themselves and carefully evaluate the electoral promises made by competing parties and rationally distinguish between what is real and achievable and what are mere promises made just to fish for votes.
“As the promise of spring may lead to a glorious summer, but it can also end up in a winter of discontent for our country,” he said in a statement today.
Malaysia, Abdullah pointed out, was at the precipice of becoming a developed nation, and like other countries, is not insulated from the effects of globalisation.
He added that Malaysia’s tremendous progress since independence was largely possible because of its political stability.
He added Malaysia also progressed because it was led by leaders who were genuine and sincere in working together and shared the same aspirations and dreams for their country.
He said that in building the nation, the leaders from the very beginning formulated consistent and progressive policies with strong and sound fiscal and economic management.
“The 14th General Election will determine the government that will steer us through these challenges and lead us into the future.
The election will also determine on whether we continue to be progressive, prosperous and peaceful and will be decided by the government that we choose on May 9.
“The challenges that we will face in the coming years can only be overcome by a government which is strong, stable and experienced.
“A strong and stable government can only be formed on the back of a strong mandate and one that is anchored by leaders who genuinely work together for the benefit of its people,” he added.
Throughout the years, Abdullah said, we had consistently had a smooth transition of power from one prime minister to another which ensured the country’s continued stability and success.
“As one who once led this country, it is my hope and desire to see a higher level of political maturity among the candidates contesting in this election.
“It is also my hope and wish to see that the political parties and candidates embrace democracy in a rational manner and not based on emotions, anger and animosity.
“As an elderly man who loves this country as much as any Malaysian, I would also like to remind those contesting this election that you do so out of a sense of duty to our country and to serve your fellow citizens, and not merely to seize power for people’s sake.
“The people’s interests should be the primary concern, and not the agenda or political ambition of any particular group of individual.
“I plead to my fellow citizens to exercise their democratic rights and duties peacefully and responsibly without ill feelings and animosity. Let us continue to build a society that value integrity, ethics and righteousness.
“Whether we progress or regress, live in misery or prosperity, live in dignity or ignomity is all in our hands and for us to decide,” he said.
Abdullah said he prayed to Allah that this election will be conducted smoothly and peacefully and the outcome on May 9 will be one that is in the best interest of the nation that we love and cherish.
