THE man of the moment is Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The euphoria, however, must give way to equanimity to address a difficult situation.
We need the nation, from those in power to the people, the civil servants, policing authorities and purveyors of justice, to appreciate, accept and act in the national interest for harmony, equality and rule of law.
That requires commitment and cooperation from all concerned if we are to turn the conflicts and tensions that have hounded us for so long into a stable, secure and successful nation for Malaysians.
Sadly, in a resource-rich country like ours, with conscientious and competent people, nearly every facet of our social, economic and political spheres of life needs remedy and reform.
Let us, with faith and loyalty as one people, rededicate ourselves, as did our founding fathers
when we gained independence in 1957.
First prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, in his proclamation speech, said: “We look forward in faith and hope to the future; from henceforth we are masters of our destiny, and the welfare of this beloved land is our own responsibility: Let no one think we have reached the end of the road: Independence is indeed a milestone, but it is only the threshold to high endeavour — the creation of a new and sovereign state.
“At this solemn moment, therefore I call upon you all to dedicate yourselves to the service of the new Malaya: to work and strive with hand and brain to create a new nation, inspired by the ideals of justice and liberty — a beacon of light in a disturbed and distracted world.
“High confidence has been reposed in us; let us unitedly face the challenge of the years.
“And, so, with remembrance for the past, and with confidence in the future, under the providence of God, we shall succeed.”
Indeed, as the new government embarks on the task of bringing peace and prosperity to our nation, let these be people whose actions benefit all.
RUEBEN DUDLEY
Petaling Jaya, Selangor