On the night of Budget 2006, Alvin, Bob and our friend from bahagian Kelana Jaya had dinner in the mamak near my home. Alvin called DAP being sometimes a tit-for-tat party, only reacting to Umno when troubles take place. Fine, they might be realistic and pragmatic enough to realise that they will never come into power, yet, I don’t think it’s a good excuse for them not to present a long-term comprehensive policy.

While Pas fish for votes by claiming whatever they do is in the name of God, they actually offers very little apart from alternative legal, entertainment and clothing systems. For PSM, it is a Socialist (some say Marxist) system that seems so utopian to most of us. DAP, which no longer monopolise the anti-Ketuanan Melayu sentiment, falls back on the little comfort zone of anti-Islamic state hardcore.

Shall we in Keadilan also “monkey see monkey do” ? Instead of only reactively attacking BN at times, I propose we draw up a wholesome plan, to show the voters that we are a capable, trustworthy and most importantly, a better alternative to Umno. Our non-ethnic set up has avoid us from falling into the never ending dilemma of horse trading, compromise and discrimination that is part and parcel of BN, thus, cutting off a lot of BN’s never ending dilemma.

What do I wish as a Keadilan supporter ? I wish the party will hold public consultation sessions that involve people from all walks of life, including academics, economists, business community, working class as well as youngsters etc. Many of them are victims of current regime’s unfair policies, in one way or another. We must listen to their grouses. We need their help in shaping party’s policies. While the final decision still lies in MPT, we should introduce more elements of democracy into the decision making process.

With the policies being laid down in detail, it must be published in the website, to help illustrate to the voters the future Malaysia if we come into power, and conceptualise how is it going to be different from the Malaysia under current regime. Policies regarding issues close to the voters’ heart, for example, cost of living, public safety, job market, education system, public transport, national car, should be up for public scrutiny, instead of just the usual rhetorics on press freedom, police professionalism or detention without trial. Currently, with only the vague 17 points of Core Principles and the occassional suggestions listed in the press statements, we cannot blame the public for not regarding us as a government-in-waiting.

Thirdly, public hearing for constituents in our parliamentary seat. Before any voting is to take place in Parliament, I hope our MP can listen to her constituents. In case the party’s belief disagrees with the public opinion, we must justify it. In a way, the public will be able to formulate party’s policy, while the party may also shape public opinion. I believe this will be a first in the history of democracy in Malaysia.

Malaysia boleh ? You will know :-)