Questions for our new elected representatives

The elections are over and done with, and what an election it turned out to be. As I write this, the Perak government is working out how to keep its coalition intact, whilst rumours persist of issues arising within the Selangor government over the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Within the BN, questions linger over the political viability of the present leadership.

However one chooses to dissect the political results, one thing is clear: The Malaysian citizenry has voted, and it has voted in a way that it thinks best secures its future. Now is no longer the time for fancy sound-bites and slogans. Now is the time for the new representatives to work together (wherever possible) to create a better future for all of us. Here are some questions I would like to pose to our new elected representatives if I were ever given the opportunity.

1. Your track record of working with people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures.

Please tell us a specific instance in which you were a decisive influencer to bring together different categories of people who were at odds with each other. What did you do? How did it pan out? Were you a peacemaker or a deal-breaker?

2. Your role models.

Please name three role models in your life, whether living or dead. What specifically did they do which inspired you? How is their example relevant to Malaysian society today?

3. Your big issues and willingness to work with "the other side"

Name three pet issues you will champion in Parliament or the state legislative assembly. Tell us your specific action plans to ensure success. In what ways and to what extent would you work with "the other side" to ensure your agenda is carried?

4. Bi-partisan partnership.

Can you name specific people in every political party whom you will be willing to work closely with in order to achieve your objectives? How do you intend to do that? What would you give in exchange for their co-operation?

5. Willingness to compromise.

For the top three issues on your agenda, how much are you willing to negotiate? In what areas are you willing to compromise in order to keep the agenda alive? What factors will you consider when required to compromise? What are the absolutely non-negotiables as far as you are concerned?

6. Dealing with foreign investors and the economy.

What specifically will you do differently from the states not run by you in respect of attracting foreign direct investment, and to boost the local economy?

7. Intra-country divide.

Describe in your view what kinds of arrangements can be negotiated between (a) Islamists and secularists; (b) Ketuanan Melayu and Malaysian Malaysia ideologies? What will be your strategies to promote the middle ground?

8. Your leadership style

Do you believe in building consensus or providing strong leadership? If you believe in building consensus, how do you avoid being viewed as weak or indecisive? If you believe in strong leadership, what systems will you put in place to ensure you are inclusive in your decision-making?

9. Openness and flexibility

What is one major issue on which you have changed your mind in the last ten years? What caused you to shift your views? What happened subsequently?

10. Addressing the brain drain

What specific steps will you take to address the brain drain of Malaysia generally, and the state which you control specifically?

11. Preparing for a potential global meltdown

What steps will you take to prepare Malaysia generally, and the state which you control specifically, for the potential global meltdown?

12. Your standard of reference.

When a crisis hits, and you have to make a decision without advice or counsel, what do you rely on for guidance? Party lines? Past experience? Holy Books? Self-help gurus? What?

Here's wishing all elected representatives a fruitful term, and towards a better Malaysia.

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If you have comments or questions, e-mail me at khenghoe@mycounsel.com.my.