With reference to the current debate on the upcoming 9th Malaysia Plan, my suggestion to our prime minister is to take a cue from the legendary American president John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

When campaigning for the presidency, JFK spoke of the traditional ideas of the liberal democrats such as new opportunities for all, liberal progressiveness etc. However, in reality, JFK's policies were closer to that of the Republicans such as stronger military, fighting communism, reducing government bureaucracy etc.

Hence in his inaugural address, he captured the imagination of his country with an inaugural address that was so well written, many lines are still quoted today.

Of all the lines quoted, the most famous and most relevant to the 9th Malaysian Plan is: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'. This line was largely to do with the US foreign policy then but to us Malaysians, it applies to our domestic policy.

Malaysians are too dependent on our government. We look to our government for leadership, for solutions and even for decisions on our personal morality. There is much Malaysian must and can do by themselves and what is needed is courage and temerity.

Another line that I like from Kennedy's address is this: 'Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty'.

Malaysians should believe that human liberty is ultimately the tool that will free us from our own weaknesses. We should stop viewing our world as losers and winners and opposing interests. Each person is equal to others and a just future depends on us liberating each other.

JFK also spoke of the overburdening cost of a nuclear race. In Malaysia, the cost of racial politics is what that is overburdening us. Again, Pak Lah - in dealing with racial politics - can take a line from Kennedy:

'So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.'

We Malaysians need to renegotiate the NEP, our so-called social contract or our future will forever be burdened by our weakness to face the truth. As Kennedy also said, 'Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belabouring those problems which divide us'.

Kennedy ended his inaugural address with a line that could have easily come from Pak Lah with a few changes. 'Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.

'With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God's work must truly be our own.'