LETTER | National Patriot Association (Patriot) members consist also of war veterans who had served the nation well not only in combating communists and insurgents but also participated and led peacekeeping missions successfully in several destinations in the world.

Given our extensive experience – including setting the climate for governments to function in war-torn or conflict-ridden environments, Patriot views the current political mess in Malaysia very, very seriously.

Much has been said and shared among concerned citizens including experts in their own rights. But we are still far from the maddening, intensifying political battles which have conclusively compounded our war on Covid-19, leading to crippling economic and social paralysis.

Drawing from our pool of experienced Patriot tables here are several war-time strategies that must be given immediate traction among politicians if we are to slow down the health pandemic and remedy its ramifications on societal wellbeing and the nation’s economy that threatens to crash anytime soon.

First, all political parties must be strict and immediate about their party principles. They must take disciplinary action and sack those who have betrayed the very party that gave them the ticket to be elected as a member of Parliament or does not toe the supreme council’s decision taken in the interest of party principles and its membership.

Second, those political parties that are opposed to the current leadership must unite to serve the nation first and foremost. Collaboration forms the fundamental esprit-de-corps needed to strengthen political defence.

Third, come to the defence of the nation’s Magna Carta – the Federal Constitution and its Constitutional Monarchy. Make your joint statement imprinted for all to see – including royalty. Give every citizen the right and access to embrace your stand crafted in the sole interest of the country, king and citizens. Spell out why you need to come together and what action you commit together and will stand accountable for.

Fourth, call for the immediate convening of Parliament strictly for a vote of confidence passing. If need be, use the machinery at your political parties’ disposal to solicit approval from citizens. This is not too difficult to achieve with the tools and technologies of communication available.

Fifth, use measurable, rational and fair parameters to identify and agree on who among you should be the prime minister in the event the present leadership falls out. The principle of democracy must prevail because our nation is not a regime, a totalitarian state or communist in make-up. The party with the most number of seats gets to appoint its party president to be the prime minister.

Sixth, drastically cut down on cabinet and use private-sector management principles to execute responsibilities. There should be minimum bureaucracy with clear line-and-command parameters in place. Set your governmental goals clearly and transparently to enable the public to monitor, feedback and work alongside you.

Seventh, use the institutions of governance including the judiciary, police, the civil service and all state bodies as well as the various committed NGOs of credible standing to galvanise national strengths to combat the Covid-19 and not for political expediency as it is now the case.

Eight, enlist all leading professionals and experts in all sectors and disciplines to do national service. This is a time where the country needs the best and tested capabilities of citizens who can add value to efforts to combat the health pandemic, the economic failures and the social dilemma.

Ninth, do not be tempted to see this way forward as an opportunity to profit from but to put the future of the nation and its people ahead of all other priorities. Sacrifice is the benchmark of our political struggles to right the country on the health, economic and social frontiers.

Tenth, let the 15th general election come at its own pace when the nation is healed of the devastating Covid-19 dangers or at the least we can convincingly declare that it is safe to go to the polls by the WHO standards.

The writer is the president of National Patriot Association (Patriot).

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.