An open letter to Lim Kit Siang

Dave Anthony
Aliran
28 March 2015

If enough like-minded people agree to associate, you can create a nation where we all have a stake to safeguard, says Dave Anthony.

Dear saudara Kit Siang,

I salute you as the elder statesman of Malaysia who has raised a consistent voice over the years. Today we are in the cusp of a political crisis and yours is the only lonely voice calling for a Malaysian solution.

Pakatan Rakyat, whichever way we look at it, is no longer a viable reality. Anwar had tried to glue the legs of the tripod together but it still stood lopsided with no spirit to level it. We can try ropes and masking tape and splints to hold it together but it will still not stand.

Why are we even trying to keep it together? Is it only for the sake of capturing Putrajaya? The DAP and Pas are quite clear where they stand on the hudud issue.

We are not certain where PKR stands. They appear to stand as an observer outside – like a fourth party rather than a third party. They should state their stand unequivocally rather than offer to mediate between the DAP and Pas.

Let me explain why Pakatan seems no longer relevant.

First of all, the ideologies are diametrically opposed so much so that a modus operandi cannot be workable. You cannot say “let us agree to disagree” when you set an agenda to rule the country.

I dread to think what would have happened if Pakatan had won the last election. Would Putrajaya be tearing itself apart, and what kind of a government would we have today?

Pakatan Rakyat in its status quo cannot govern the country. It is time for a new political scenario as you, Kit Siang, have proposed. This is a cry to all Malaysians to save Malaysia starting with the politicians.

All politicians, please step out of your respective political parties; stand as individuals for once and look at our country. You can save it from total wreck and ruin. Separate religion from politics. You are politicians, not religious leaders. Religion has its own sphere in the private lives of individuals, and let that be so.

Redefine the Malaysian citizen as a home-grown multi-racial entity whose best interest is the reason you were elected into office.

Let the Malaysian reality, with the inclusion of Sabahans and Sarawakians, be the starting point of that entity. Stop using religion and race to divide the people. Rise above that idiosyncrasy.

Do what the people want: they want to be united in a secular state that can guarantee unity with justice, peace and freedom. That is the top priority.

The constitution, which is not something written in stone, is not a religious dogma. There are many ambiguities in the constitution. It takes away with one hand what it gives with another and opens up a vista for different legal interpretations. Making amendments would be beating around the bush. It should be streamlined and made crystal clear as to be the one guiding principle for the country.

The existence of two systems of judicial structure deconstructs all efforts at building a united nation. You cannot have two sets of rules for the people. No man can serve two masters. A country divided will inevitably fall.

Come, sit together single-mindedly as concerned leaders, and work it out. Unanimity may not be easy or even possible, but try you must and the time is now, and it is not premature as some have said. If enough like-minded people agree to associate, you can create something – something that will forge our unity, promote harmony and create a nation where we all have a stake to safeguard.

Saudara Kit Siang, yours may be the lone voice even in the DAP. Never mind, you too step forward and please let your voice ring loud and clear to reach the ears of all Malaysians. You have thrown us a life-line, and I am sure enough of us will take it. Malaysia desperately needs a leader like you.

Dave Anthony is an Aliran member based in the Klang Valley.