Abdullah will be another strong leader'

MM 01/11/2003 By Suraya Pauzi

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisations (NGOs) feel that new Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would be another strong Malaysian leader.

The NGOs call on Pak Lah - as Abdullah is warmly known as - to follow through with his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Vision 2020, to concentrate more on people issues and to further strengthen unity.

Here's what they have to say:

* Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman:

"Pak Lah often speaks of multi-racial integration, and this is something he might be able to address seriously once he takes over. "To strengthen national unity, he might draw up long-term plans on what we call Bangsa Malaysia. "He needs to continually remind Malaysians of all races to think of themselves as a single race."

National solidarity is vital to improving all aspects of the country. "Another aspect is crime which has reached a frightful level. "Pak Lah has a part to play in getting the rakyat's involvement in preventing petty crimes." Lee said Pak Lah's strength stems from his vast experiences heading different ministries.

"With that, he is able to greater understand the feelings of the rakyat, as well as empathise with their views and aspirations. "He is a man guided by moderation and is known to be a down-to-earth character."

* Senator Datuk Zainal Rampak, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president:

"Pak Lah needs to implement in full the policies and the blueprint Dr Mahathir had created for the country as it is for the good of the nation. "Our dignity and sovereignty is something he must go on defending."

* Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam, secretary-general of the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP):

"As a former Administrative and Diplomatic Service (PTD) government officer, Pak Lah should work to reform the civil service to make it more efficient." Siva feels the people working in the Government should start to be more pro-active towards the rakyat. "They should strive to be more customer-oriented. "Corruption must be also wiped out from the Government." Siva said the country should move towards being more labour-friendly. "Maybe Pak Lah could introduce more benefits for workers. "He may appear to be a quiet person, but he is a person of faith, guts and determination."

* Professor Datuk Hamdan Adnan, Federation of Malaysia Consumer Association (Fomca) president:

"I trust the consumers will be well-protected under Pak Lah. "It is also hoped that more consumer protection laws will be passed. "The economy will have to be further enhanced." Hamdan also called for greater unity between the peninsular States and Sabah and Sarawak. Hamdan said Pak Lah, who is a Muslim scholar, has good attributes and a cool personality.

* Azizuddin Ahmad, secretary-general of the Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM):

"With his Islamic background, Pak Lah might be able to make the core values of the religion more prominent and progressive. "Asian values should be further instilled in society." Azizuddin said Malaysian society should be mobilised further in advancements in education and technology. "I believe he will bring a nice balance of leadership in our country. "He must be as firm as Dr Mahathir in defending the nation. "Pak Lah must also maintain all the good things we have achieved, such as a democratic system of government, transparency as well as economic and social stability."

* Chang Kim Loong, National House Buyers Association (NHBA) secretary-general:
 

"We have experienced an era of a caring Government and such care and concern will surely continue under the new Prime Minister." Chang said that house-buyers form a large percentage of the rakyat, so there is the need to help them out and enhance their rights. "The revamping of the House Development (Control and Licensing) Act last year reflects well on the Government," he said.

* S.S. Rajalingam, Petaling Jaya Residents' Association (PEJRA) president:

"At present, there are no standard regulations governing the local councils, though they greatly affect the rakyat. "There should be certain criteria set when it comes to handling public complaints. "Residents are unhappy with the local councils which need to be streamlined." Rajalingam added that as most national policies have already been set, Pak Lah could address more local, every day issues. "Our natural green life should be safeguarded, so that means gazetting of green lungs, something Pak Lah has already championed." Rajalingam said since the country is already stable, the Government could also relax the control over the mass media.

* Manohary Subramaniam, All Women's Action Society (AWAM) programmes manager:
 

"There are 17 years to go before Vision 2020, and Pak Lah must see to its effective implementation as the masterplan has already been set." She said there must be a continuation of all things good, such as national solidarity and global recognition. "We hope women will find more opportunities to be placed in important, decision-making levels under the new leadership."

* Tan Thiam Huat, Ti-Ratana Welfare Society vice-president:

"Pak Lah might be able to place a little more emphasis on welfare, as well as on poverty eradication. In his speeches, he often speaks of the importance of family and this shows he is concerned."