Wednesday May 8, 2013

GE13: Malaysians share what type of leaders they want in Cabinet

Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, RAZAK AHMAD, NICHOLAS CHENG, LOSHANA K. SHAGAR, ISABELLE LAI, TASHNY SUKUMARAN, MICHELLE TAM and T. AVINESHWARAN

KUALA LUMPUR: As the dust settles on the general election, Malaysians are putting forward their aspirations of the type of individuals they want to lead the country.

They took part enthusiastically when The Star Online asked Tweeters to name their pick for Malaysia's new ministerial team and what qualities the ministers should possess, resulting in #dreamcabinet topping local Trends on Twitter yesterday.

Economics student Arinah Najwa, 22, said she wanted more “people's politicians” rather than those who put parties first.

“At this time, the leaders chosen can't be huddled up protecting their party by giving reasons of why they did poorly. Rather go to the ground and convince people that they can be trusted by working,” she said.

Actuarial analyst Winnie Chua, 25, hoped that a non-politician would be chosen to be Education Minister for a proper education syllabus.

Politicians dedicated to fighting corruption should be the ones to helm top posts in the Cabinet, according to retiree M. Vela, 69.

“That's a problem that is keeping the country from moving forward,” he said.

Trainee lawyer Rafiq Nadzarin, 24, said he wants more gutsy politicians, who would dare to challenge what he feels was a “failing political system”.

“There are oppressive laws that have to be abolished or at the very least, substantially amended to comply with the Constitution and human rights norms.

“There is a need for politicians who would fight for that,” he said, adding that arrogant leaders should be done away with.

Driver and ex-armyman Awie Noor, 55, said he hoped to see continuity of leaders in the Cabinet as they have more experience.

“New blood can bring fresh ideas but what the Government needs now is stability. The older leaders have the experience for it,” Awie said.

@Apkhaw supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announced move towards national reconciliation by tweeting: “#dreamcabinet my dream cabinet to include all races to make it balanced and towards national reconciliation.”

In his tweet, @fairuzrahman advocated the appointment of ministers with prior experience in their portfolios: “#dreamcabinet should have an ex-teacher Education, an ex-sportsmen Youth, a female activist Women, ex-army Defence. People who know their trade.”

This sentiment was echoed by K. Jeya Kumar, who preferred the experienced over “newbies”.

“New faces will give fresh ideas, but experienced heads will provide stability for the cabinet,” added the 37-year-old, who works at a tourism agency.

Some, like wheelchair user and disability equality trainer @Hiphog, used the hashtag to raise awareness for a cause.

He tweeted his wish to see a “disabled person as minister in charge of OKU affairs. #dreamcabinet”.

Another portfolio someone suggested be added was that of Sarawak and Sabah Affairs.

“Considering their contribution to number of seats. And revenue to the nation,” tweeted @SierraOneThree.

For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site

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