The forthcoming elections are not just about where we want Malaysia to go economically, but the path we need to take to create a more civil society.

Such a civil society should focus upon the development of a closer and better appreciation of each other as members of the human race. Understanding and feeling for each other creates a better spirit of cooperation and trust in any society.

Also, Malaysian society must be encouraged to stand together as Malaysians and barriers – social, economic and political – must be removed to achieve this.

Although we all have our own selfish interests at heart, feeling for and working with others in our society is the only way to create a truly civil society.

Elections provide us with an opportunity to tell our politicians that, important as economic growth is to our country, society values are our priority on the agenda for Malaysia’s future development and progress.

Dr Ian Mackechnie
Kuala Lumpur

Source: The Sun – February 27, 2008