LETTER | I refer to the Better Malaysia Assembly (BMA) effort as initiated by Nazir Razak.

Central to the argument is that the Malaysian government has lost its way and is unable to address long term structural issues.

I agree that perhaps BMA is non-elitist and may indeed be governed by the selfless motivation to move this country forward.

However, how the BMA is able to make the difference is a big question mark. Ultimately, it is always the government of the day that shall decide.

I may sound presumptuous. I think most Malaysians know the long-term structural ills confronting this country. What else are new other than endemic corruption, brazen racism, blatant bigotry, extreme incompetency, rotten education system and increased disparity?

So the first question I want to ask is why has the Malaysian government, despite its elaborate constitutional arrangements, elegant institutions and resources, failed to deliver a decent government for Malaysia.

Do we really know what is troubling us? Do we know why all checks and balances seem unable to work? Do we know why has power gravitated toward only a few? 

Do we know why blatant injustice and unfairness were left unattended as if no one really cares? Do we know why basic government functions were left undone with no adverse consequences on those who are responsible?

Do we know how racism has become institutionalised and routine? Do we know why moral policing and bigotry are increasingly encroaching into our liberty and freedom?

Seriously, don’t look at all these questions cursorily thinking that these are questions with obvious answers.

Chicken and eggs arguments

Personally, I have no answers to these questions. Over the years I have heard many people proposing views and providing solutions to the ills besetting this country. 

However, if we care to listen carefully, most are chicken and eggs arguments.

Even if we have concrete proposals and solutions to the problems, the implementation is often half-baked, lackadaisical and even sabotaged before it begins.

If I may add one more problem, I think Malaysia has lost its moderation and middle ground. 

Those who are dominant, they want to dominate even more. Those who are exploiting others, they want to exploit even more. 

Those who are on the receiving end are also getting extreme because they are getting insecure and frustrated.  

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