Suara Sri Andalas

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Happy Deepavali Posted: 21 Oct 2014 07:00 AM PDT Dear friends, The past year has been tough, filled with many challenges. As the saying goes, " when the going gets tough, the tough get going." We have weathered the storm to an extent and we should now prepare for the future. A future where we can hope to create a fair and open administration. We need to leave behind those who seem to always perceive a doomsday scenario. National integration begins when the country comes together and the leadership makes a sincere effort to make all feel wanted and their needs taken care of. But unfortunately there are still those out there who end up giving only lip service.  In this context, we should not take the Indian votes for granted. This goes both for the BN and PR parties. I ask that we in PR take a serious effort to understand the socio-economic problems of the community. Whatever we do should be reflective of what the community needs in the future – and not leave them out. Let us not just conduct "one-off" programs just to get votes. There must come a time when handouts like hampers do not matter. The community needs an overall change – a structural change, and not just free meals and handouts. There has to be an urgent political will and concerted effort to bring about change and the right type of programs that will have a long lasting effect on the community. This as the community feels it has often have been misled and cheated by promises made during festival and election times.  Lets make our efforts count – make changes that will be reflective of the Malaysia we want to see. There also seems to be so much confusion on the ground as to the direction the government is currently taking. At one end we conduct a worldwide campaign for a place in the UN Security council, calling ourselves moderates. But back home we see the government going after anyone who dares to give an opinion or speak their mind. The Sedition Act is being misused ! This seems to be the rule of law for Malaysians, resulting in a very frustrated public. The leadership has to ensure that fairness and justice is an integral part of decision making.  We need to choose leaders based on their capabilities and not on race or religion. Government servants must not take sides and that they must serve the government of the day. Both politicians and civil servants must demonstrate a high level of integrity and willingness to bring about change in society. At present we are continue to lose the confidence of the rakyat. I would like to appreciate and take this opportunity to thank all the NGOs who have worked tirelessly to improve the situation on the ground. We need the political will, knowledge and skills to make changes for the better. We hope and pray that this wonderful country Malaysia will move forward and continues to provide equal opportunities for all its citizens. Iniya Deepavali Nalvalthukkal! A Very Happy Deepavali, Demi Rakyat, Dr Xavier Jayakumar Vice President Parti Keadilan Rakyat  ADUN Seri Andalas (N49)

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