DAP Penang

Q&A: What is Middle Malaysia?

By admin on January 31st, 2010

1.   What is Middle Malaysia?

Middle Malaysia is about taking the middle ground where the vast majority of Malaysians stand, while leaving our political enemies to take the extremist positions on either side of the divide. This must be achieved by threading the middle path of inclusiveness, equal opportunities and by ending discrimination.

As the Secretary-General said, Middle Malaysia prefers co-operation not conflict, consultation instead of confrontation and an inclusive shared society rather than an exclusive separate society. A shared society is one that celebrates diversity and assures everyone a place in society by guaranteeing:-

• democratic participation,
• respect for diversity and human dignity,
• offering equal opportunity; and
• protection from discrimination.

In short, Middle Malaysia belongs to every Malaysian.

Middle Malaysia is also made up of a new breed of voters who want more accountability from the government and they will not hesitate to show their dissatisfaction through the ballot box if we do not perform up to task. These are voters in areas that are “mixed-seats” and they will vote based on everyday issues that concern all Malaysians, and not along racial or religious lines. Their support is crucial for DAP to move forward in the next elections.

2.   Why Middle Malaysia?

Middle Malaysia is the key to the electoral centre that is diverse and united, moderate and sensible, consistent and relevant to ordinary Malaysians. We must win over the hearts and minds of these voters because they form the core of the country’s future.

It is crucial to note that there is only one middle ground in Malaysian politics, and it is the middle ground that matters because Middle Malaysia will decide which coalition will govern next. We want no part of the extremist fringes with pronouncements and positions that frightens off any decent Malaysian.

3.   How does it fit into DAP’s existing platform?

Middle Malaysia is part of an exercise of strategic positioning. It does not mean DAP abandoning the Malaysian Malaysia and Malaysian First vision. As stated in the Ipoh Declaration, we are seeking a reaffirmation of our aspiration since the formation of the party to create a nation that puts MALAYSIAN FIRST, based on common universal values of democracy, freedom, justice, integrity and human dignity, that ends divisions based on race, religion, creed and gender, and that unites all Malaysians to face the rapidly changing world as one people. That is Middle Malaysia.

We also need to reassure the people that a society based on common universal values of MALAYSIAN FIRST will not marginalise any community or individual and aid all who are in need. That is Middle Malaysia.

Further, we must reiterate our dedication towards establishing social democracy in Malaysia with social justice, equal opportunity, solidarity, peace and sustainability as its core values, with an additional emphasis on the question of intergenerational justice. That is Middle Malaysia.

Lastly, we will once again pledge our uncompromising dedication to efficient, effective, humane, clean and ethical governance based on the principles of Competency, Accountability, and Transparency (CAT). All this is Middle Malaysia.

4.   What about the larger context of Pakatan Rakyat as a whole?

It is hoped that all members of Pakatan Rakyat will come onboard the Middle Malaysia platform and utilise it in our march towards Putrajaya. DAP cannot govern the country alone without the support of its partners in PAS and PKR.

It goes without saying that we would expect our coalition partners to understand our platforms and build and expand our common grounds. Together, we must constantly remind ourselves that it is the wishes of Middle Malaysia that matters.

Pakatan Rakyat must make it a key responsibility to ensure that the notions of moderation, equality and justice for all are kept a tangible reality, not just dreams or ideals.

Pakatan Rakyat must be seen as moderate and inclusive and distance and differentiate ourselves from our exclusive, racist, extremist opponents and this is where embracing Middle Malaysia as a coalition becomes crucial.