SABAH TODAY

By PHOONG JIN ZHE
COMMENT: The Opposition camp must be courageous on making a key decision to install a New Leader who can usher in New Politics and revive the New Malaysia Dream.

1. The so-called Sheraton Move earlier this year has disappointed many in the country, especially the young ones, they feel deeply disappointed and started to distance themselves from politics. If we cannot restore confidence within the people, we would not see any substantial change in the future.
2. The (current) Opposition Leader’s “strong, formidable and convincing” majority did not turn up, the idea to build a coalition with UMNO has also been doubted by many, racial politics are worsening and polarizing our society and the budget which has become a great disappointment to the people was not defeated. The faith of the people towards Pakatan Harapan seems to be faltering after these series of incidents.
3. Unprincipled, traitorous politicians and the malfunctioning political system have failed the people and unable to provide better life for ordinary citizens during these trying times. If Pakatan Harapan and the opposition camp cannot search for resolutions for the people, we will not only lose our supporters but also the younger generation that has been eagerly aspiring for a better future, better Malaysia.
4. We have seen the Great Reconciliation of generations and races on the 9th of May 2018 that came together and fought against a corrupted Barisan Nasional tyranny and built the New Malaysia 1.0. The reunion of Tun Mahathir and Anwar Ibrahim, the appointment of Syed Saddiq as the youngest ever Minister, Lim Guan Eng being appointed as the Minister of Finance are all fruits of the Great Reconciliation of races and generations in this New Malaysia 1.0.
5. Now, the great disappointment of the people towards Pakatan Harapan is triggered by old traditional politics. Opposition Leader who stated he had a “strong, formidable and convincing” majority have been mocked as “The boy who cried wolf”, senior politicians lying for power and extreme racial and religious comments have been worsening lately. If we are sincere in rebuilding New Malaysia 2.0, we must usher in new politics now.
6. I have always believed and strived to usher in new politics ever since I stepped into the political arena. Pakatan Harapan urgently needs a breakthrough and we must achieve “A political reset” as stated by DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng. To build a New Malaysia 2.0, we must be courageous and determined in making key decisions to restore confidence to the people and show them the possibility that comes along with new politics – new leaders, new policies, a new mindset, a fresh team and together we can build the New Malaysia 2.0.
7. As a young leader in Sabah, new politics must include the reform of Malaysia’s federalism and most importantly upholding justice, integrity and values that younger generations look forward to. This is the true political reset I wish to see, a reset that truly brings substantial changes to society.
8. We are now at a crucial junction and I wish to see young political leaders to arise and lead us forward. A leader that has integrity, charismatic, youthful, ideals and most of all a leader that can unite all Opposition members to progress forward. Let us rebuild Malaysia, create a New Malaysia 2.0, restore hope and changes to our beloved homeland, dear Malaysia.

• Phoong Jin Zhe is Luyang Assemblyman and Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth National Publicity Secretary