Contents. 1. Forewords. 2. Rukunegara. 3. The Merdeka Statement. 4. List of Contributing Organisations. 5. Programme

Transcription

1

2

3 Contents 1. Forewords 2. Rknegara 3. The Merdeka Statement 4. List of Contribting Organisations 5. Programme 1

4 Foreword Crrently one of the wealthiest and most developed contries in Sotheast Asia, Malaysia is assessed by UNDP as already having achieved signifi cant nmber of Millennim Development Goals (MDGs). Since 1970, poverty in Malaysia has fallen from 50% to 5%, infant mortality has dropped from 40.9 to 7.9 per 1,000 live births, and adlt literacy has increased from 60% to 94%. To top it off in the contemporary world, Malaysia favors participation in a global partnership for development that benefi ts all contries willing to take part. As a reslt, we have transformed from a prodcer of raw materials to become a modern NIC, Newly Indstrialised Contry, enjoying an annal GDP growth rate of abot 5-6%. Now recognised internationally as a model for sccessfl development, the challenge for Malaysia is to maintain momentm in dealing decisively with the next set of tasks and priorities that will keep the nation moving ahead, contining to set precedents that others can emlate, and moving towards or ltimate objective of becoming a flly developed nation. Throgh varios reports released, we have identifi ed a few pressing isses inclding or alarming net decline in Foreign Direct Investments this year and or less than desirable ranking with the Universal Press Freedom Index. We even rank second worst in Asia in terms of individal ineqality measred by the common Gini Coeffi cient according to the World Bank. Moreover recently de to several high profi le cort cases regarding religios freedoms we see an increasing polarisation of Malaysians that is chipping away at the national nity block that or leaders have strived to hard to bild since Independence. The key strategies that the 39 contribting organisations, inclding the Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies, have collectively identifi ed to conter the frther deterioration of these problems are here compiled into eight major points in this Merdeka Statement. The fact that so many organisations have contribted to the Statement adds tremendos worth and vale to it. Indeed, we believe that these eight strategic thrsts in or Merdeka Statement if endorsed and implemented will be critical to keeping Malaysia at the forefront of its social, economical and political development as one of the more niqe mlticltral, mltilingal, and mlti-religios contries in the world. In conclsion, I wold like to thank all those who contribted and participated in the analysis and dialoge that led to the preparation of this pblication. I hope this work will be taken seriosly by all sectors of civil society and will also act as a roadmap as we work together towards a Malaysia that is more nited, competitive, innovative and prosperos. Tan Sri Dato Dr. Ramon Navaratnam Chairman Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies Kala Lmpr 27th Jly

5 Foreword 50 years is a signifi cant milestone in the history of any nation. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Merdeka is no different. In commemorating or 50 years of independence, it is timely to refl ect on what we have achieved as a nation and we did achieved mch; as well as ponder over or road to nation-bilding and national nity. There is no qestion we have come a long way since We have every reason to celebrate or sccess as a nation. ASLI s Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies felt it wold be apt and timely to review or path to peace, progress and prosperity in commemorating or 50th year of independence. Hence, this Merdeka Statement. The Merdeka Statement was formlated in consltation with over 37 organisations representing Malaysians from different ethnic, religios, vocational and academic backgronds. It sets ot a set of nation-bilding principles and basic beliefs, which can constitte a philosophy to gide Malaysia for the next 50 years to It is aspirational, inspirational and forward looking. It is balanced and comprehensive. The Merdeka Statement reaffi rms and recognises the basic bilding blocks of nationbilding i.e. the Social Contract, the Rknegara and the Federal Constittion. These are the bedrock fondations that enabled the nation to live in peace and harmony and to make qantm progress. Nevertheless, in envisioning the ftre of Malaysia for the next 50 years, we need to be bold yet pragmatic, idealistic yet realistic, recognizing the mlti-racial and mltireligios fabric of Malaysia living in a globalised competitive world. To progress the nation mst accept change for change is a constant in the life of any nation or civilisation. Yet in seeking change, we accept that change needs to preserve or nity and harmony and not be radical or revoltionary bt incremental and evoltionary. In ptting forward these Eight Strategic Thrsts in the Merdeka Statement, we do not seek to confront bt to seek consenss and bild bridges. The Merdeka Statement is not a set of demands. It is non-confrontational. It sets ot the aspirations of a large nmber of Malaysians who want to contribte positively and constrctively to the process of nation-bilding. Hopeflly, it will generate healthy debate on the Road Ahead. Let s celebrate or harmony and nity in diversity. Selamat Merdeka. Salam Perpadan. Dato Dr. Michael Yeoh Chief Exective Officer Asian Strategy & Leadership Institte Kala Lmpr 27th Jly

6 Foreword by Editor The Merdeka Statement, althogh conceptalised by the Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies, is by no means a docment that stands in isolation from the rest of society. Indeed, the very spirit captred therein has been that of consenss for the collective good of all people in Malaysia. This principle has been intentionally maintained from the project s inception till the end, manifest in the very process of formlating the fi nal Statement. Over the period of the past six months, a range of nmeros consltation meetings and correspondence took place, inviting inpts and contribtions from as wide a cross-section of society as possible. These organisations represent Malaysians from varios walks of life and backgronds. Many hors were spent deliberating and analysing the contents in refi ning the Statement to sit respective concerns. The Eight Strategic Thrsts of the Merdeka Statement encapslate: Strengthening National Unity, Enhancing International Competitiveness, Creating an Innovation Economy, Redressing Imbalances, Reinforcing Instittions, Reforming Edcation, Ensring the Qality of Life for all citizens, and Improving Governance in the form of overcoming corrption throgh principles of governance. With sch a wide scope, one can imagine that the process of forming agreement, especially pon key recommendations and principles of action, was not an easy one. Althogh we were regretflly nable to accommodate every specifi c inpt for the sake of consenss - I believe the Merdeka Statement captres some of the most pertinent sentiments we desire to be delivered to and seriosly considered by the Government withot fear or favor. Developing and editing the Merdeka Statement has been a niqely hmbling experience, in more deeply nderstanding the real fears and hopes of Malaysians presently, and their aspirations for the next 50 years. It is my earnest desire that the Statement becomes a central reference point to empower civil society in developing positions and stances that will contribte toward a constrctive nation-bilding process. Finally, I wold like to extend my tmost thanks to all who have participated in this dynamic discorse over past months. Yor time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Tricia Yeoh Senior Research Analyst Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies Kala Lmpr 27th Jly

7 Rknegara BAHAWASANYA NEGARA KITA MALAYSIA mendkng cita-cita hendak : mencapai perpadan yang lebih erat di kalangan selrh masyarakatnya ; memelihara sat cara hidp demokratik ; mencipta sat masyarakat adil di mana kemakmran Negara akan dapat dinikmati bersama secara adil dan saksama ; menjamin sat cara liberal terhadap tradisi-tradisi kebdayaannya yang kaya dan berbagai corak ; dan membina sat masyarakat progresif yang akan menggnakan sains dan teknologi moden. MAKA KAMI, rakyat Malaysia, berikrar akan menmpkan selrh tenaga dan saha kami ntk mencapai cita-cita tersebt berdasarkan atas prinsipprinsip berikt : KEPERCAYAAN KEPADA TUHAN KESETIAAN KEPADA RAJA DAN NEGARA KELUHURAN PERLEMBAGAAN KEDAULATAN UNDANG-UNDANG KESOPANAN DAN KESUSILAAN Rknegara Or nation, Malaysia, being dedicated : to achieving a greater nity of all her peoples; to maintaining a democratic way of life; to creating a jst society in which the wealth of the nation shall be eqitably shared; to ensring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cltral traditions; to bilding a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology; We, her peoples, pledge or nited efforts to attain these ends gided by these principles: BELIEF IN GOD LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION RULE OF LAW GOOD BEHAVIOUR AND MORALITY 5

8 Merdeka Statement in Commemoration of Malaysia s 50th Anniversary of Independence CONCURRENTLY, as Malaysia celebrates its Golden Jbilee in 2007, marking a momentos milestone in nation-bilding, it is time to take stock of or achievements as a nation, celebrate or sccesses and reflect on or weaknesses and shortcomings. RECOGNISING, APPLAUDING, ACKNOWLEDGING, NOTING, OBSERVING, RE-AFFIRMING, that Malaysia gained its independence peaceflly throgh the toils and efforts of all ethnic backgronds working together we oght to learn from or past history. We need to offer new hopes to all Malaysians as we jorney towards or centenary, a ftre of a better, fairer, more nited, prosperos and jst Malaysia for all citizens irrespective of ethnicity and religion. the dedication and commitment of or Bapa Merdeka Tnk Abdl Rahman and recognizing the role of all past national leaders and all other contribtory parties of all ethnic commnities for their role in the fonding and bilding of or beloved nation Malaysia. that the nation was fonded on the social contract negotiated prior to Merdeka and the inalienable garantees enshrined in the Federal Constittion, protecting the rights of all Malaysians. the aspirations of the nation and its people to strive towards becoming a flly developed nation as stiplated in Vision 2020, keeping in mind the need for sstainable development. the official formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, and recognising the rightfl atonomy entitled by all states therein. the Federal Constittion and the Rknegara as the giding principles and shared vales of democracy and fndamental rights of all citizens in the nation. WE BELIEVE THAT: As we commemorate or Golden Jbilee, we need to celebrate or diversity and draw strength from or national motto, Unity in Diversity. 6

9 We need to re-look at or national road maps to take s forward for the next 50 years, throgh a comprehensive and holistic approach for nation-bilding and national development that brings progress to all Malaysians. Having achieved relative economic prosperity, we need to now focs pon sstainable social well-being of the nation, developing a national identity and ethos that reflects accrately and confidently the mlticltral and mltireligios fabric of the Malaysian society. We need to honestly identify impediments to national nity and address past and present conflicts, in order to seek appropriate soltions for the way forward. We need to nleash and harness the potential of all Malaysians, so that no one will be left behind and that development will embrace all ethnicities, religions, sectors and regions. As we gear p to face the challenges of globalisation and a rapidly interconnected world, we need to nlock the creativity and innovation of or people, working ninhibitedly together for a common prpose. WE THEREFORE STATE: One, or Renewed Determination to work for the betterment of Malaysian society providing fair and jst opportnities for all. Two, or Commitment to an agenda and work programme encompassing Eight Strategic Thrsts listed below. Three, or Continos Spport for the strategic partnerships between Government, bsiness and civil society all working together for a better society. ACCORDINGLY, WE PUT FORWARD A NEW MALAYSIAN AGENDA TOWARDS 2020 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A MORE UNITED, COMPETITIVE, INNOVATIVE AND PROSPEROUS MALAYSIA WE PRESENT THESE EIGHT STRATEGIC THRUSTS AS A COMPREHENSIVE NEW AGENDA FOR NATION-BUILDING FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS. 7

10 1 ONE, STRENGTHENING NATIONAL UNITY In the strggles towards forging a national identity, great efforts have been taken to strengthen national nity in the contry, which mst be spported by all. However, recently the state of nity has been fraying at the edges. Ethnic, lingistic and religios divides have deepened, casing genine pain and hrt to many in or nation. Sch a fragile state of nity shold not have happened after 50 years of nation bilding. New sstained efforts are rgently needed to rebild or National Unity. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) The crrent National Unity Advisory Panel, nder the Jabatan Perpadan Negara & Integrasi Nasional, shold be made an independent National Unity & Integration Commission, empowered to review legislation, policies and practices that impede on national nity, investigate complaints of ethnic, lingistic and religios discrimination both in Government and the private sector; made answerable to Parliament and chaired by reptable and credible individals; and inclde a Trth and Reconciliation Committee, which will serve to grapple with key incidents of conflict and hrt in the contry s past, which is an important and necessary part of the healing of the national psyche, in the road towards a peacefl shared ftre. (ii) All new policies shold be tested against the tenets of the Federal Constittion and the Rknegara - no policy formlated shold be contrary to the spirit of the vales contained therein. (iii) An independent and transparent National Consltative Concil on Vision 2020 shold be established immediately, for representatives from the Government, private sector bsinesses, academia, media and civil society to discss progress towards Vision 2020 and beyond. (iv) A National Research Institte on Ethnic Relations shold be established as a centre that co-ordinates in-depth research on Ethnic Relations and Cltre, compiling stories of inter-ethnic cooperation and mtal assistance. (v) Pblic-Private Partnerships to strengthen National Unity shold be lanched at all levels and in all sectors. (vi) Islam is the religion of the Federation of Malaysia as clearly set ot in the Federal Constittion. The freedom to profess and practice the religions of choice as enshrined in the Federal Constittion does not threaten this position. The Government has committed itself to the principles of freedom, protection of minorities and niversal vales, vales of which mst be continosly and relentlessly pheld for the sake of all Malaysians. (v) Any extremism in the form and shape of ethnicity, religion and gender shold not be propagated or tolerated at any level. WE BELIEVE THAT THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION AS SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND IS THE PRIMARY REFERENCE POINT FOR STRENGTHENING NATIONAL UNITY, AND THAT ALL NATIONAL POLICIES SHOULD BE TESTED AGAINST ITS CENTRAL TENETS. 8

11 2 TWO, ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS Malaysia is facing new challenges and opportnities arising from globalisation and international competitiveness. Malaysia has progressed economically on all fronts and is a model for many of its ASEAN conterparts. Malaysia mst, however, remain engaged with the global economy, rapidly and continally adapting to maintain regional and international competitiveness by adopting international best practices. While the New Economic Policy (NEP), established in 1970, has contribted significantly to the pward socio-economic mobility of the Bmiptera commnity as a whole, there is a need to conceptalise new strategies and programmes to overcome poverty and restrctre society irrespective of race, taking into consideration changing trends and global developments, focsing more pon needs and meritocracy. The global market for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has become more competitive. Foreign investors today have nmeros options, making investment decisions on destinations that garantee the highest retrn rates, not on sentimental affinity to any particlar contry. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) In drafting a specific plan to handle globalisation, it is important that we liberalise at a faster rate so as not to lose or competitive edge. At the same time, privatisation measres mst take into consideration the economic, social and cltral rights of the people, protecting infant indstries throgh strctral adjstments. (ii) Impediments to growth and competitiveness shold be removed, keeping in mind the need for social safety nets for all levels of society. Archaic rles, processes, and procedres shold be modified accordingly. (iii) There shold be greater liberalisation of the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) gidelines and reglations. (iv) The Government shold amend the Indstrial Coordination Act (ICA) and raise the threshold to RM20 million for ICA licensing approvals. (v) New approaches and strategies shold be adopted to maintain and enhance Bmiptera and other marginalised grops participation in the corporate sector sch as: - (a) Providing loans to economically disadvantaged investors to invest in Initial Pblic Offerings (IPO s) at disconted interest rates; (b) Providing tax rebates to companies that volntarily allocate more shares to Bmiptera instittions and individal investors that are economically disadvantaged; (c) Providing micro-financing schemes to small bsiness-owners and those from low-income grops; 9

12 (vi) (vii) (viii) (vix) (d) Training disadvantaged grops to rn entreprenerial bsinesses. The integration and participation of all levels of the Bmiptera and other marginalised commnities into the local economy cold be better emphasised throgh these means. There is a need for less breacracy and more efficiency in Government processes particlarly between the State and Local Athorities. The processes of Government mst be smoothened ot, sped p, made friendlier and more attractive with minimal delays, and personal attention provided when problems occr. The Government shold contine to enhance bilateral and mltilateral relations with action-oriented deliverables with neighboring contries on economic, social and political fronts throgh varios formal and informal ties. There shold be increased academia-indstry collaboration, which will allow the corporate sector to work closely with academic instittions in providing links where research and development can serve the interests of both parties in increasing international competitiveness. There shold be increased pblic edcation on the benefits of free trade and globalisation. WE BELIEVE THAT BY ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS, THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AND ADVANCE POSITIVELY. PRESENT CONDITIONS IMPEDE SUCH EFFORTS HENCE NEW STRATEGIES NEED TO BE EMPLOYED TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF ECONOMICALLY- DISADVANTAGED BUMIPUTERA AND OTHER DISADVANTAGED GROUPS. 10

13 3 THREE, CREATING AN INNOVATION ECONOMY In order to compete sccessflly in a globalised environment, Malaysia mst contine to advance and make rapid progress in innovation and creativity. An Innovation Economy shold be developed as part of existing Plans and Policies, within trade and services indstries. Creativity and innovation reqires an enqiring mind to qestion basic assmptions and fndamentals. A cltre of creativity and thinking otside the box mst be cltivated in all spheres, reslting in an all embracing srronding and atmosphere. The contry needs not only technological innovations bt also Government, Social and Edcational Innovations. Social and technological innovations will reqire a greater degree of openness and decentralisation of athority, creating a mind-set shift from a centralised economy to a reglated market economy, keeping in mind a society committed to pholding principles of ethics, integrity, transparency and national commnity needs. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) The Government shold have the political will, necessary policy intervention and cltral systems to allow for the florishing of new innovative ideas. (ii) Policies, processes, rles, and systems shold be reviewed to promote innovations within the Government. (iii) All Government ministries, departments and agencies shold incorporate strategic thinking into policies applicable for all levels of society. (iv) Incentives to encorage greater investments and fnding in innovation shold be initiated by the private sector, in particlar for the Information, Commnications and Technology (ICT) indstry. (v) A National Knowledge and Innovation Board shold be established, as a Stattory Body to champion the National Innovation Strategy. (vi) To be sccessfl in Innovation, there needs to be greater recognition for innovation. (vii) The entreprenerial spirit mst be actively nrtred and developed amongst the yonger generation. (viii) To cltivate the spirit of enterprise, rles and reglations that inhibit entreprenership need to be reviewed and changed. Restrictions to media freedom are limits to freedom of expression that shold be reviewed. (viv) Capital for bsiness start-ps mst be made more readily available. WE BELIEVE THAT INNOVATION WILL ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CULTIVATE A CULTURE OF CREATIVITY, OPENNESS AND THINKING OUT OF THE BOX TO SPARK NEW VISIONS FOR THE NATION. 11

14 4 FOUR, REDRESSING IMBALANCES In commemorating or Golden Jbilee, we affirm that no Malaysian shold be left behind by accont of his or her ethnicity, religion, gender, geographic region or political affiliation. Imbalances wherever they occr need to be redressed with newer strategies and more vigoros efforts. We note with concern the growing income ineqalities, (based on the increasing Gini coefficient) evidence of an increasing gap between the rich and the poor. Intra-ethnic income ineqalities are particlarly worrying, especially within the Bmiptera commnity, and existing inter-gender income ineqalities. Regional imbalances in East Malaysia, the plight of marginalised indigenos grops in Sarawak and stateless street children in Sabah are nacceptable. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) Urgent measres mst be taken to overcome Bmiptera and other intra-ethnic ineqality by renewed poverty alleviation efforts. Rapid and radical transformation of the rral economy and review and strengthening of rral cooperatives and social enterprises are necessary steps to continally plift rral commnities in kampngs, estates, new villages and otlying areas particlarly those in Sabah and Sarawak. (ii) A time frame shold be fixed, whereby shares held by Khazanah Nasional can be actioned off to all economically-disadvantaged and marginalised commnities. Khazanah Nasional can se the proceeds from sch share disposal for training and nrtring of entrepreners and developing commercially viable skills within these commnities, and the provision of seed capital for their bsinesses. (iii) The Civil Service shold be reflective of the ethnic diversity of Malaysia, and no one grop shold be nder or over-represented. To this end, more non-bmiptera shold be rgently recrited into the civil service. Positive discrimination programmes shold be implemented over a fixed period of time, in favor of non-bmiptera officers. All civil servants shold be given incentives for career advancement to attract lateral transfers from the private sector. There shold be reciprocal recritment of Bmiptera into the private sector. (iv) Ethnic, religios, lingistic and gender discrimination within both the private and pblic sectors shold be discoraged and eventally eliminated. (v) There mst be de recognition and allocation of the traditional lands to indigenos grops in Peninslar Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak on which they crrently reside and regard as their own, as this land has been increasingly alienated to private companies for logging 12

15 (vi) (vii) (viii) (vix) (x) (xi) prposes. Native Cstomary Rights (NCR) and cltral, social, economic and religios rights mst be restored to the Orang Asli and other indigenos commnities. All reservations lodged by Malaysia in respect of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Convention on the Rights of the Child shold be removed. The Government shold draw p a central policy to resolve problems associated with ndocmented migrants, and recognise and accept the UN High Commission for Refgees (UNHCR) refgee stats docmentation for refgees. Urgent and immediate action mst be taken to resolve the problems of the stateless children in Sabah so that they can be given adeqate qality edcation. The Government shold sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the Convention Relating to the Stats of Refgees. Greater efforts to redce the incidence of rban poverty and to address the problems of low income families mst be taken immediately. The poverty line (national average PLI is RM691) mst be recompted to take into accont inflation and rising costs of living, particlarly in rban areas (rban national average PLI is RM687). The revised poverty line is still inadeqate as the increase in prices and nmber of family members mst be taken into consideration. We shold sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, in accordance with the Government s commitment to advance the rights of the disabled people. It shold expedite the process of approving the Persons with Disabilities Act that will provide the basis of eqalisation of opportnities for persons with disabilities, eliminate discrimination against them and promote their fll participation as eqal citizens of the contry. Programmes and initiatives to redress poverty imbalances mst emphasise a weaning off dependency on Government aid by bilding a generation of independent workers, small bsinessmen, entrepreners and professionals. WE FURTHER BELIEVE THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD: (i) Operate on a principle of responsibility to the pblic, partnering with the Government to address imbalances and the problem of poverty throgh corporate social responsibility (CSR). Pblic and private partnerships can adopt poor villages and/or rral schools to contribte to the poor, disadvantaged, and marginalised grops. (ii) Pioneer social innovations that can be sed to empower the poor and marginalised grops, and plift their standard and qality of life. (iii) Implement a vigoros internship programme in the corporate sector to provide training for more gradates, which will facilitate their entry into 13

16 corporate life and encorage an entreprenerial spirit. The Government shold consider allowing tax dedctions for companies with active internship schemes of not less than 50 interns per year and lasting no less than 12 month. This will natrally encorage participation by Bmiptera and other disadvantaged grops in the commercial sector, training them for commerce & indstry in the long rn. WE BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT S EFFORTS TO REDUCE POVERTY HAS MET WITH OUTSTANDING SUCCESS, A RECORD RARELY SEEN IN OTHER COUNTRIES; BUT NEVERTHELESS BELIEVE EXISTING IMBALANCES MUST BE URGENTLY ADDRESSED. 14

17 5 FIVE, STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONS The Federal Constittion and the Rle of Law needs to be strongly defended by all Malaysians. When Malaysia gained its independence 50 years ago, the key instittions of state were clearly defined the Exective, Legislatre, Jdiciary in the context of a constittional monarchy. While going forward, we need to frther strengthen these key instittions and ensre their independence in reflecting vales of good governance. We believe that appropriate Law Reforms need to be institted to protect the fndamental liberties and rights of all Malaysians and to frther enhance the key instittions. WE BELIEVE THAT: (A) THE CONFERENCE OF RULERS: (i) Shold restore its niqe nifying and advisory role, as athorised by the Federal Constittion to deliberate on qestions of national policy, and take on its rightfl role as symbol of nity, stability, continity and jstice for all citizens. (ii) Shold play a more proactive role in safegarding the present way of life in Malaysia and to protect Malaysia from ethnic, lingistic or religios extremism of any form. (iii) While acknowledging the religion of Islam as the official religion of the nation, shold contine to protect the legitimate interests of Malaysians choosing to profess and practice their faith as enshrined in the Federal Constittion with minimal administrative interference and absence of penal sanctions. (iv) Shold ensre to strenosly protect the Independence of the Jdiciary. (B) (i) (ii) THE EXECUTIVE: Shold spport and establish immediately the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Miscondct Commission (IPCMC) to frther enhance the Royal Malaysia Police. Shold determine that the Civil Service remain politically netral and the professionalism and stats of the civil service protected. Frther, adeqate representation of all ethnic grops in all levels of the civil service shold be ensred by the exercising of eqal employment opportnity throgh merit-based appointment and promotion regardless of ethnicity and religion by the Pblic Service Commissions both at Federal and State levels. The Civil Service shold also maintain adeqate gender representation in appointing more women into the Civil Service. Civil Service recritment shold be based on an Open Examination so that the best candidates are recrited. 15

18 (C) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (D) (i) (ii) (E) (i) THE LEGISLATURE: Shold garantee that the Rle of Law and the fndamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constittion are pheld, protected, institted and enforced. Shold allow for a Parliamentary Standing Committee to be institted for every Government ministry, responsible for reglarly reviewing the activities of the Ministry and given the power to condct pblic inqiries into proposed legislation, investigative complaints and sbpoena witnesses and docments. A Parliamentary Ombdsman shold be appointed for each Parliamentary Standing Committee. Shold ensre a Code of Condct for Members of Parliament when in session, to reflect responsible leadership of the people. Shold table and debate in Parliament the adoption and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The CEDAW Convention shold also be incorporated into domestic legislation so that treaty provisions can be invoked and given effect to by the corts, tribnals and administrative athorities. Shold enact a Gender Anti-Discrimination Law that can address problems in the constittion with regard to the garantee for eqality. A Gender Anti-Discrimination Commission with the power to advise the Government, hear complaints and deliver decision and gidelines on gender eqality shold also be established. Shold frther enhance the protection of Hman Rights standards, particlarly as Malaysia is a member of the Hman Rights Concil, by ratifying international hman rights treaties in particlar the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cltral Rights, the Convention Against Tortre and Other Crel, Inhman or Degrading Treatment or Pnishment, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Annal Report of the Malaysian Hman Rights Commission, besides being tabled in Parliament, shold be discssed and recommendations deliberated by Parliament. THE JUDICIARY: The independence of the Jdiciary shold be protected by establishing an Independent Jdicial Appointments Commission comprising the Chief Jstice, representatives from the legal profession and lay members that will make non-biased recommendations for the appointment and promotion of Jdges for the High Cort, Cort of Appeal and Federal Cort. An independent National Jdicial Institte shold be established dedicated to contining professional growth of sperior cort Jdges in view of the changing demands on the Jdiciary in a rapidly evolving society. PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY: Mst be ensred throgh Local Concil Elections, reinstated to garantee local constitents ability to independently elect their local concil 16

19 (ii) (iii) representatives. Local democracy reflects the most basic form of good governance. Mst be cltivated throgh a cltre of free, prior and informed pblic debate instated by the Government in obtaining views and feedback from as wide an adience of society as possible in its decision-making processes. Mst be strengthened throgh an informed citizenry that can vote intelligently throgh a participatory-approach decision-making process. As sch, the Election Commission shold engage in edcating the pblic on the voting processes, making as mch information available as possible. There shold be atomatic voter registration for every citizen pon reaching the age of 21. WE THEREFORE BELIEVE THAT ALL MALAYSIANS: (i) Shold vigorosly defend and protect or key instittions to safegard or democratic and liberal way of life. (ii) Shold participate flly in the democratic life of the nation by more open expression of views with minimal administrative restrictions for permits for pblic rallies in exercising the right to freedom of assembly and association. (iii) Shold phold the Federal Constittion and the Rknegara, in particlar the Rle of Law. WE BELIEVE THAT THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE OF RULERS, THE EXECUTIVE, THE LEGISLATURE, THE JUDICIARY, AND CIVIL SOCIETY SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE IN SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE. 17

20 6 SIX, REFORMING EDUCATION We believe that Malaysia s ftre sccess depends on the qality of its people and this ltimately will depend on the qality of edcation that they receive. There shold be focs on key learning otcomes, not jst on teaching inpts. We believe that contined focs on hman capital development is essential for Malaysia to maintain its competitive edge. Or yong children and yoths reqire the knowledge and skills necessary for a 21st Centry workforce. We believe that for edcation reforms to scceed there mst be a radical change in mindset to bring abot a paradigm shift in rethinking edcation, in developing a world-class Malaysian edcation system. We believe that Malaysia is at a stage where its national development necessitates an honest and critical self-reflection. This involves being trthfl to the past that we have inherited, reflected by an accrate and objective depiction and stdy of the nation s history. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) Edcation reforms shold be expedited. Whilst we applad the Government for its new edcation bleprint, it needs to be speedily implemented down to the actionable level. (ii) Life-long learning shold be embraced and working adlts mst be eqipped constantly with new knowledge and skills to stay relevant and competitive. (iii) A comprehensive reform in both secondary and primary school crricla mst be ndertaken that will reslt in prodcing critically thinking and analytical stdents. The prsit of excellence is essential to bring ot the best in or stdents. Schools shold be bench marked against international best practices. (iv) There needs to be increased cltivation of langages (Malay, Chinese, Tamil, Kadazan, Iban and English) within national and vernaclar schools in reflecting a tre celebration of diversity in nity, in trn forming a competitive edge for national economy. Mother tonge langages shold be taght to their respective people grops. (v) National schools are appropriate for national integration. School crriclm shold contain no gender, ethnic and class stereotypes. However, diversity and freedom of choice of edcation shold be promoted, as other forms of edcation do not necessarily impede pon integration processes. (vi) Merit shold be the main criteria for stdent recritment into instittions of higher learning. Deserving stdents from disadvantaged and marginalised commnities shold be accepted on a means-based approach. 18

21 (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) (xi) (xii) (xiii) (xiv) (xv) Recritment and Promotion of niversity management, lectrers and all staff shold be based on merit and academic excellence and free from political associations. Research track record and pblications in leading international academic and local Malaysian jornals shold be a deciding factor in promotions. Ethnicity shold not be a factor in academic promotions. Scholarships shold be given based on dal criteria of merit and need. Sixty percent (60%) of scholarships shold be strictly based on academic excellence. The remaining forty percent (40%) of scholarships shold be given on basis of need sbject to a means test. A special category of scholarships shold be considered for marginalised commnities. Greater efforts shold be expanded to ensre stdents ndertake a balance of science, technology and engineering, arts, and social sciences corses. Academic freedom for niversity lectrers mst be pheld and heavily stressed by respective tertiary edcation instittions. Greater emphasis shold be given to vocational and technical training. Sch training shold be competency-based and indstry certified. Teachers training colleges mst encorage innovative thinking and creativity. Pro-active and in-depth research needs to be carried ot, exploring the cases and finding the means to reverse the worrying trend of braindrain. Annal cash allocation for books shold be made available for those in the teaching profession as these provide incentives for reading and pblication. The gaps between rral and rban schools need to be rgently addressed. There is a need for restrctring of crriclm and more resorces allocated for Special Edcation to overcome problems of nemployment and high dependency faced by persons with disabilities. WE BELIEVE THAT MAJOR PARADIGM SHIFTS ARE NECESSARY IN REFORMING TOWARDS A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION SYSTEM, AND THAT POLICIES MUST BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH CONCRETE PRINCIPLES OF ACTION. 19

22 7 SEVEN, ENSURING QUALITY OF LIFE For s, qality of life incldes protecting the environment and having adeqate access to healthcare, basic amenities and hosing, amongst other variables. Underlying these is a need to create a caring and commnitydriven society with a social conscience. Specific indicators sch as the Malaysian Qality of Life Index shold be sed as a measrement tool. (A) ENVIRONMENT We affirm that sstainable development is essential so that ftre generations will not be deprived of their heritage and natral resorces. We need to ensre that or qality of life can be improved throgh sstainable development initiatives. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) The Government, private sector and civil society shold work together in joint partnerships to protect the environment and ensre sstainability of the eco-system especially in preserving the green lngs of society throgh forest reserves. (ii) In recognising the importance of or National Heritage, the Government shold set p a National Conservation Trst Fnd and to desist from any acts that will destroy or heritage. (iii) The Environmental Protection Act shold be reviewed; ensring that the Act adapts to the changing environment and eco-systems the nation is facing today. (iv) Greater sage of sstainable energy shold be employed and promoted. (v) Pblic-private partnership programmes for environmental protection shold be implemented. (vi) More concerted effort shold be shown in providing the means and edcation processes necessary for recycling and redcing litter and polltion to the environment throgh alternative waste management technologies. (vii) We shold recognise the potential problems cased by natral disasters and climate change to hman life, property and economic processes, and embark on initiatives to handle their ramifications. (B) ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE We believe that access to basic healthcare is both a necessity and a hman right to ensre qality of life; hence these services shold be continally enhanced for all s benefit. We believe that the Government s healthcare policy mst be transparent and open for pblic consltation in its process of continal improvement. 20

23 WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) The National Health Financing Scheme mst be transparent to the pblic and ensre fairness and eqity. (ii) Annal bdget allocations for the healthcare sector shold be increased proportionally to the World Health Organisation s minimm recommendation of five percent (5%) for developing contries. (iii) Adeqate and qality technical training mst be provided to all healthcare spport staffs. Soft skill development mst be initiated dring tertiary edcation and sstained dring their medical edcation. (iv) The Government shold develop its primary healthcare and services to be on par with the private sector to cater for citizens at all levels. (v) Research stdies, pblic health and healthcare programmes shold be increased to edcate and empower society on healthcare isses in particlar those related to HIV/AIDS. (vi) Adeqate resorces mst be allocated to health care for the elderly throgh old-age care homes. (vi) Health and medical care mst ltimately focs pon the welfare of the commnity at large. (C) ACCESS TO BASIC AMENITIES & HOUSING We believe that everyone shold have sfficient access to affordable water and other basic amenities, necessary for enhancing qality of life. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) Greater incentives shold be given to hosing developers to install efficient systems sch as rain water harvesting and tilisation systems and grease traps in all sorces of otpt from individal property drains to monsoon drains, and to adopt increased sage of energy-efficient and solar-energy based fixtres and fittings. (ii) Greater transparency in hosing and development project plans shold be maintained, with concerted effort to implement a mltiple stakeholder consltation process, with particlar focs on environmental implications. (iii) Hosing and the design of dwellings and its environments shold promote healthy and safe living with the provision of adeqate living space, green lngs, children and yoth safe areas, sports and recreation facilities and discorage opportnities for the commission of crime. (iv) Greater incentives shold be given to water operators for investment to enhance water treatment processes, and to generate energy sing renewable sorces. (v) The Government shold provide allocations on research & development for water and energy resorce conservation and pblic edcation on alternative technologies. 21

24 (D) SAFETY AND SECURITY Safety is one of the basic isses that contribte to the qality of life in a society. The rising crime rate is of alarming concern. Over a 30-year period between 1973 and 2003, there was a 230% increase in the nmber of total reported crimes nationwide. This incldes vehicle thefts, crimes involving property, robberies, hosebreaking, simple and snatch thefts. WE BELIEVE THAT: (i) In order to improve secrity, an established and effective policing system needs to be pt into place. The Government needs to look seriosly into the increasing crime rate. (ii) There needs to be an alternative system that rns concrrently with the existing strctres. (iii) It is proposed that the private sector is given increased athority to ndertake some select roles of secrity, throgh, for example, an Axiliary Police Force. WE BELIEVE THAT QUALITY OF LIFE, ENCAPSULATED BY MANY AREAS, MUST BE ENSURED AND ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR, FOR ALL CITIZENS OF MALAYSIA EQUALLY. 22

25 8 EIGHT, ENHANCING GOVERNANCE, FIGHTING CORRUPTION We condemn corrption. It is an evil in itself that contradicts basic ethics and vale systems. It is an nnecessary cost of doing bsiness that mst be eliminated. As sch there mst be greater and more determined efforts to stamp ot corrption in the Government and all other bsinesses. We believe that the principles of transparency, integrity, accontability and responsibility mst be strictly pheld, practiced and enforced in all sectors of society. We believe that good governance is essential to bilding a better ftre for Malaysians, with particlar focs on good corporate governance practices in the private sector. We believe that a clean Government will increase international competitiveness as it provides a more condcive environment for condcting bsiness. We believe that corrption leads to a misallocation of resorces, freqently at the expense of the least well-off and most vlnerable in society, who are powerless to challenge those engaged in corrpt practices and are nable to stand p for their rights. WE BELIEVE THAT: (I) Efforts to fight corrption shold be strengthened, working together with bsiness, civil society and the media. (ii) A Freedom of Information Act shold be prsed and eventally instated at both Federal and State levels. Access to information is key in the drive against corrption. Protection of whistleblowers mst be ensred. (iii) The crrent Anti-Corrption Agency shold be made independent and answerable to Parliament. Care mst be taken to employ credible and reptable individals. (iv) Pblic Declaration of Assets shold be obtained from Cabinet Ministers, Menteris Besar, Chief Ministers, State Exective Concillors, Ministry s Secretaries-General, Directors-General, Senior Police Officers and jdges, and their direct family members. These shold be made readily available for pblic viewing. (vi) Ministers, jdges and senior civil servants shold be prohibited from taking p directorships, consltancies or employment in any for-profit organisation for a period of two (2) years after they leave office or retire. (vi) Pblic Tenders in all contracts and Government Procrement at federal, state and local levels shold be ensred, with related information and details also made readily available to all, with the exception of those involving national secrity. (vii) The United Nations Convention Against Corrption mst be ratified immediately. WE BELIEVE THAT CORRUPTION, IF NOT ADDRESSED, WILL EAT AWAY AT THE NATION S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROSPERITY, AT GREAT COST. GOOD GOVERNANCE MUST ADDRESS CORRUPTION IMMEDIATELY. 23

26 COMMITMENT OF THE CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES In making the aforesaid statement, we believe that whilst Malaysia has made a qantm leap over the past 50 years in terms of development, a new paradigm is necessary to take it forward for the next 50 years. What had worked so well in the past 50 years may need to ndergo changes with new international and regional dynamics. New ideas and new thinking are essential. We need to regain trst and rebild confidence in Government and corporate leadership. As Malaysia s Fonding Father and first Prime Minister, Tnk Abdl Rahman said, We mst each always think first of (Malaysia), of the national need and least of orselves. Everyone mst try to help and see that the people are one-minded, with one loyalty and one aim, to make (Malaysia) - the land we love - a happy abode for all of s. If we all do this then we can garantee liberty, secrity, prosperity and happiness for the ftre. The CPPS, ASLI, hereby adopts this Statement as or Work Programme and Plan of Action in or modest and sincere efforts to contribte to a better society. We invite like-minded organisations and individals to join s in this jorney. 24

27 The following organisations were conslted in the process of drafting the Centre for Pblic Policy Stdies Merdeka Statement. Contribting and Spporting Organisations of the CPPS Merdeka Statement 1. All Petaling Jaya Proaction Committee (APPAC) 2. All Women s Action Society (AWAM) 3. Center for Malaysian Chinese Stdies 4. Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) 5. Centre for Independent Jornalism (CIJ) 6. Centre for New Strategic Knowledge 7. Consmers Association of Sabah & Laban 8. Concil of Chrches Malaysia (CCM) 9. Development of Hman Resorces in Rral Asia (DHRRA) Network, Malaysia 10. East Malaysian NGOs Development Network 11. Edcation & Research Association for Consmers (ERA Consmer) 12. Federation of Malaysian Consmer Associations (FOMCA) 13. Force of Natre 14. Institt Kajian Dasar (IKD) 15. International Movement for a Jst World (JUST) 16. Kala Lmpr & Selangor Indian Chambers of Commerce & Indstry (KLSICCI) 17. Malaysia Hind Sangam 18. Malaysian Association of Standards Users 19. Malaysian Bar 20. Malaysian Bddhist Association 21. Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled (MCD) 22. Malaysian Consltative Concil of Bddhism, Christianity, Hindism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) 23. Malaysian Institte of Corporate Governance (MICG) 24. Malaysian Interfaith Network (MIN) 25. Malaysian Society for Qality in Health (MSQH) 26. Malaysia Think Tank London 27. National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) 28. Oriental Hearts and Mind Stdy Institte (OHMSI) 29. Peace Malaysia 30. Persatan Kebangsaan Hak Asasi Mansia (HAKAM) 31. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA) 32. Residents Association Section 5 PJ 33. Selangor and Federal Territory Consmers Association 34. Sisters in Islam (SIS)* 35. Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institte (SERI) 36. Transparency International Malaysia 37. United Voice (UV) 38. Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) 39. Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangnan Masyarakat (YKPM) 40. Yayasan Salam 41. Yayasan Strategik Sosial (YSS) 42. Yoth for Change (Y4C) * This organisation does not necessarily agree with all statements contained within the Merdeka Statement. 25