The statements from the PERC report were extracted from HERE:
- a group of elite minorities were dominating the national agenda to the extent that it was hurting Malaysia’s attractiveness to investors.
- it is “probable” that no other Asian country is suffering from as much bad press as Malaysia.
- pressures are building and the entire situation is becoming much more unstable
- the government is blaming the international media for exaggerated reporting
- the root of the problem was a vocal minority that is dominating the national agenda.
- Najib’s strategy is looking “increasingly unworkable” as a way to defuse pressures in the country
- if the opposition were to be in charge come the next election, foreign investors and others would wait and see if the opposition could govern the country effectively
- foreign investments into Malaysia have not been forthcoming, either in direct form or in the equity markets. Read more HERE.
These statements are not new. Most Malaysians already know the true state of affairs without any PERC or international report. Previously, the authorities concerned had been living in denial and painting a picture-perfect Malaysian scenario to pretend that all is well on the Malaysian front when it is not. Now, we have the state of affairs for all and sundry to see and with international neon lights shining on us Broadway style too! How have the authorities concerned responded?
A wall of cold S.I.L.E.N.C.E.
I would have thought that with international consultants in the picture, damage control would have been a piece of cake but the situation shows otherwise.
The government MUST come face to face with reality and stop deluding themselves or the rakyat that things are in order contrary to reality. A public relations crisis management plan is absolutely necessary in this IT savvy age because BAD news and information travels at a phenomenal speed and the negative consequences are deep and far-reaching. The Malaysian government must quickly respond to these allegations and avert any doubts, especially from potential or existing foreign investors about fears of a looming crisis.
Silence could send a few messages to the public such as:
- Many both near and far could perceive the report to be accurate and truthful.
- There could be those who could conclude that the authorities concerned are unprepared as a result of living in their own fairy-land psyche of 'living happily ever-after'.
- Some could be even more frustrated that the authorities are handling the situation poorly and this could lead to more complicated problems that could possible exacerbate the situation
- Certain groups could accuse them of stonewalling the situation, toughing it out or pretending the crisis will pass, but such irresponsible passivity could only make the situation worse.
- Research has shown that organizations who waste valuable time at the beginning of a crisis can expect to see a loss in revenue, plummeting stock prices and negative impact on their reputation.
- In any country or organization, its most important asset would be reputation. It is useless to conceal the truth from the public because eventually someone will blow the whistle.
And this time, PERC has blown the whistle loud and clear except that those who need to hear it and to react to execute damage control are playing deaf.
What then are other MPs doing? Why aren't they putting the heat on the authorities? As many as possible should make formal requests for the government to come to terms with reality and to do the needful even though it appears as though only divine intervention can save the day.
The saddening fact is that the silence not just from the authorities, but also from people who have the clout to put the heat on them!! Some are voicing their concerns about this report via comments sections in news portals. Our elected representatives, business organizations, chambers of commerce, foreign investors, NGOs etc should also do the same but is this happening?
Are we in such a state of passivity and numbness that we can swallow all this grime and continue to roll in the mud and pretend we are having a healthy mud spa together?
Honestly, when will we come to terms with reality? Where is the heart for the nation and collective conscience etc etc etc?
What we hear is the sound of silence that reeks with of a callous, cold, detached, aloof and passionless stance. Any responsible leader with dignity and conscience would have taken umbrage to the report instead of being diffident and heedless when warning bells and alarms are ringing everywhere.
And so, it appears that this nation will suffer in silence, and take a lesson in silence from the leaders. Many seem to contented to passively look at long-term damage to their nation's reputation because they have given up hope that those who have the power to make that difference are completely dispassionate to regain or restore international repute and investor confidence quickly simply because it seems that they do not act in the interest of the populace.
And how will the story of this nation end?
A tragic comedy?
A case where good will triumph over evil?
At this point of time, I wish I knew....
Village Boy The Perak political imbroglio has dragged on for too long and thrown up many issues. Pakatan Rakyat should realize that they are not here to get involved in power struggles. They should now set realistic aims and objectives of serving the rakyat, which is of paramount importance.
If Pakatan continues to be immersed in power-grabbing, internal strife and conflicting ideologies, BN will undoubtedly make headway in regaining the people's confidence.
It is time that Pakatan reviewed its overall strategies and look at its purpose of existence.
As long as Pakatan does its job well and right, it will have no problem in winning the rakyat's support in the next election.
After all, three years is not a long wait, is it?
God bless