Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should exercise wisdom and rationality when choosing the party that will helm the government in the 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9, said Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The former prime minister said any government comprising people of differing and opposing political ideologies who only come together for the sole purpose of wrestling political power would not and cannot be good for the country.
“It is unwise to elect leaders who share the same bed but yet have different dreams. An election is not a game of chance, neither is it an excuse to change for the sake of changing as there is no system that is perfect.
“Malaysians should be honest with themselves and carefully evaluate the electoral promises made by competing parties and rationally distinguish between what is real and achievable and what are mere promises, made just to fish for votes, as the promise of spring may lead to glorious summer but it can also end up in a winter of discontent for our country,” he said in a statement here today.
He said Malaysia’s tremendous progress since independence was largely possible because of its political stability and because it was led by leaders who were genuine and sincere in working together and shared the same aspirations and dreams for their country.
In building the nation, Abdullah said our leaders from the very beginning formulated consistent and progressive policies with strong and sound fiscal and economic management.
“Throughout the years we also consistently had a smooth transition of power from one prime minister to another which ensured the country’s continued stability and success.
“And whether we continue to be progressive, prosperous and peaceful will be decided by the government we choose on May 9,” he said.
As one who once led the country, he hoped to see a higher level of political maturity amongst the candidates contesting in the general election as well as political parties and candidates embracing democracy in a rational manner and not based on emotions, anger and animosity.
“As an elderly man who loves his country as any other Malaysian, I would also like to remind those contesting this election that you do so out of a sense of duty to your country and to serve your fellow citizens, and not merely to seize power for power’s sake,” he said.
Abdullah said the people’s interests should be the primary concern and not the agenda or political ambition of any particular group of individual.
“I plead to my fellow citizens to exercise their democratic rights and duties peacefully and responsibly without ill feelings and animosity. Let us continue to build a society that values integrity, ethics and righteousness.
“Whether we progress or regress, live in misery or prosperity, live in dignity or ignomity is all in our hands and for us to decide.
“I pray to the Almighty that this election will be conducted smoothly and peacefully and the outcome on May 9 will be one that is in the best interest of the nation that we love and cherish,” he said. – Bernama