MEDIA STATEMENT BY TUN ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI

MEDIA STATEMENT BY 

TUN ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI

1. On the 9th of May, Malaysians will go to the polls to determine the future of our beloved country.

2. Since independence, we Malaysians have exercised our democratic rights in 13 General Elections; and if we include the 1955 general election, this will be the 15th time in 63 years that we exercise our duty as citizens. And throughout the years, Malaysians have demonstrated experience and wisdom in exercising their democratic rights and duties.

3. The 14th general election will determine the ability of our country and society in facing previously unheralded challenges. This election will determine the government that will steer us through these challenges and lead us into the future.

4. And whether we continue to be progressive, prosperous and peaceful will be decided by the government we choose on the 9th of May.

5. Malaysia is at the precipice of becoming a developed nation and like other countries, is not insulated from the effects of globalisation.

6. The challenges that we will face in the coming years can only be overcome by a government which is strong, stable and experienced. A strong and stable government can only be formed on the back of a strong mandate and one that is anchored by leaders who genuinely work together for the benefit of its people. Any government comprising people of differing and opposing political ideologies who only come together for the sole purpose of wresting political power will not and cannot be good for the country. It is unwise to elect leaders who share the same bed but yet have different dreams.

7. 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

8. In building the nation, our leaders from the very beginning formulated consistent and progressive policies with strong and sound fiscal and economic management.

9. Throughout the years the governments of Barisan Nasional and it’s precursor Perikatan also consistently had a smooth transition of power from one prime minister to another which ensured the country’s continued stability and success.

10. As such, in the coming general election, Malaysians should again exercise wisdom and rationality in applying the same important criteria when choosing the party that will helm the government.

11. 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 a glorious summer; but it can also end up in a winter of discontent for our country.

12. As one who once led this country, it is my hope and desire to see a higher level of political maturity amongst the candidates contesting in this election. It is also my hope and wish to see that the political parties and candidates embrace democracy in a rational manner; and not based on emotions, anger and animosity.

13. As an elderly man who loves his country as much 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.

14. The people’s interests should be the primary concern; and not the agenda or political ambition of any particular group or individual.

15. 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.

16. Whether we progress or regress, live in misery or prosperity; live in dignity or ignominy 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 the 9th of May will be one that is in the best interest of the nation that we love and cherish.

Selamat Mengundi.

TUN ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI