Only UMNO has the weight to change

Heavy discussions are ongoing among my peers as to what the way forward would like. Some argued about the relevance of racial-based politics, some argued about fundamentals, some argued about broader pictures the likes of education and social obligations.

Where do we move and how do we move? "Where" is the toughest question to answer first. Do we intend to have a true racial integration or will we still play racial cards? If we are headed to a true racial integration, what is the relevance of UMNO, MIC, MCA, DAP, Gerakan, Malay College Kuala Kangsar, MRSM, UNITAR, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan, Utusan Melayu, Article 153? Or are we just heading to a place where everyone is a Malaysian, neither is a Malay, nor a Chinese nor an Indian, but yes we need to keep institutions such as the chinese chambers of commerce to protect certain interests and Dewan Melayu, for example. There has to be some level of compromise. In the end, democracy shall prevail and we will get the voice of the majority.

Let's assume now that we have the "Malaysian" agenda as our primary objective. What vehicle shall we use? BN is still regarded as racial-based even though it represents the different races. PR is similar. Youngsters in this era of facebook and youtube are rebellious and craving for a change in the political landscape, consistent with "darah muda" (young blood). Parliament is a joke judging from the level of intelligence among MPs (in general and in public's perception) and the intensity and quality of discussion (there are exceptional members of Parliament whom I still highly regard).

I reckon people will also flip flop their choice of political affiliation based on the choice of the candidates, the political struggle and the current "trend", with the exception of hard cores, i.e. don't think Johoreans will lean to the other side anytime soon, like wise people in Bukit Bintang or Batu Gajah for that matter.

Fundamental issues that we need to address:
1. Is raced based politics relevant? If it's not, how shall it be implemented? Will we get the backing of the majority? How do we streamline the school system? How do we integrate? I'm not interested with the obvious problems, I'm more keen to work out solutions. Perhaps our first goal, as my good friend suggested, is to frame this in a proper context and disseminate the information (will not get into details, this will be topic of offline discussions). Have to decide which platform to use. Can't just be idealists.

2. Should we move to a popular vote system? There are numerous inherent problems with the delegate system. It also creates opportunities for money politics. Perhaps we could coin something and present to the higher ups to consider (or wait for one of our direct contacts to become President and amend the party constitution). Having said that, I still think parties like UMNO have great influence. It's a matter of selling the point. We can't negate the fact that it's still an influential party.

3. Integrate all wings into one party. There should be no youth, wanita, puteri. All should be treated as equals, seniors and wise men should be respected, youth should be heard. In the end, it's back to our cardinal beliefs in "Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan".

4. Education: Need to streamline education into ONE system if everyone's hyped about racial integration. Segregation is almost unbelievable especially at local universities.

5. Economics: Where do we see ourselves beyond our thin oil reserves? What is our second engine of growth and is it strong enough to face global challenges?

............... there are more blanks to be filled. Let's move forward. We either hope our current leaders will implement or stay in the game long enough to implement it. No use sitting at the sidelines.

I am a PROUD member of UMNO and a product of the NDP. Unfortunately, this is what UMNO Youth in Putrajaya are talking about. You guys decide how we move forward (and please, no demonstrations recommended).

Putrajaya Kini

"Nampaknya modal si khairun berkempen semakin meningkat........kini pemuda-pemuda dibawa ke palm garden pulak.......makan jgn tak makan..........jgn tak habis makan sudah.....nanti Allah marah kalau membazir........Apa-apa pun syabas khairun kerana masih kekalkan momentum kempen di hotel-hotel.........Ye la kalau hotel lebih selesa dari kedai mamak atau kelab tasik atau tomyam dengkil, tomyam bangi..........Ada masalah?..........Tak ada..........Cuma seronok tengok cara kempen org2 yg nak bertanding......moga-moga murah rezeki sebab banyak bagi pemuda makan....tapi jgn la sampai jadi gemuk macam amri atau rozi.."

Anti Wayang Putrajaya

"ASSALAMUALAIKUM WARGA PEMUDA,
DUA ISTILAH IAITU MENGENANG BUDI ATAU MENGAMPU....KITA BERBAIK DGN BOS, ADAKAH KITA MENGENANG BUDI ATAU KITA SENGAJA NK BODEK?????? CONTOH DR PEMUDA KITA BOLEH LIHAT AMRI DIA NI TERGOLONG DR YG MANA SATU....MENGENANG BUDI ATAU MENGAMPU?????? AZIZ HALIM MENGENANG BUDI ATAU MENGAMPU...AMIR MENGENANG BUDI ATAU MENGAMPU YG TAHU HANYA DIA DAN ALLAH SAHAJA....JAWAB JGN X JAWAB..."

My Pemuda

"Salam hormat pemuda Putrajaya. Semoga semua sejahtera dalam keadaan poket tenat dek kenaikan harga barang... Tadi aku bersama 7 orang ahli pemuda cawangan dijemput bersua dengan Khairun calon Ketua Pemuda Putrajaya. Sahabat-sahabat yang lain tidak dapat turut serta. Sepatutnya dengan Zaki dulu iaitu pada 18 Jun 2008 yang lepas aku telah set dengan Amri, tapi sampai jam 2 petang hari tersebut tiada seorang kempen manager Zaki yang cal aku. So aku sms semula kepada semua pemuda cawangan bahawa perjumpaan yang dicadangkan dibatalkan."