A YEAR ago, a New Deal declaration was made at the DAP national party conference.  For its members and leaders, the New Deal is meant to be exactly what it says: a new proposal, a new contract with the people of Malaysia to lift our life above petty politics and endless squabbling, to achieve the great Malaysian Dream, and to live harmoniously in solidarity.

Among other things it calls for all parties to work towards the benefit of the 99% Malaysians for increased wages, improved educational skills, better public transport, health, education and housing for all.

It also offers a wider, practical and workable autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak based on the status of both entities as equal partners in the Federation of Malaysia. It demands for a cleaner Malaysia by reforming all the institutions as well as liberating the Malaysian minds with the abolition of cruel laws while providing more rights to every Malaysian to express themselves.

With such lofty ideals, why are the DAP and its partners in Pakatan Harapan still focusing on one single issue – the 1MDB scandal? Some people say it’s a bit too much on the mega scandal. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. But shouldn’t more time be spent on sharing the New Deal ideas and plans to improve the economy and livelihood of the people?

Surely people are waiting to hear and see the alternative plans to bring them out of their misery caused by mismanagement, wastage and corruption. Without it, voters are only exposed to the one-sided stories concocted by the Barisan Nasional-controlled mainstream media.

For the DAP, its members and leaders should always be reminded that the proposed New Deal is not a mantra. Saying “Don’t worry, we will announce our manifesto soon” is not a good option. It needs to be out in a more detailed form as soon as possible to ensure it is clear to the people.

The point is for the New Deal to take shape in the minds of the people. To do that, DAP members and leaders have to have faith in their own idea. Only with such conviction will it be easier to share those ideas, plans and even concrete programmes with the people.

To some middle class and young voters, election fatigue is already setting in. Perhaps it’s not even such malaise; perhaps it’s mere laziness. Some of them believe that Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional are one and the same. Some are even persuading family and friends to abstain from voting in the coming general election.

PH should share with these voters with full conviction that abstaining from voting would only ensure the inept, racial and corrupt BN continues to hold onto power. Voters must realise that one vote can actually make a big difference.

Despite counter arguments by detractors, a grouping of one vote from all voters can change the government.

Some people may not understand the detailed mechanics of the 1MDB scandal but they do know the impact on the economy. They too feel the pain of the GST. While some may be clueless about kleptocracy, they know a thief when they see one, even if it’s the person sitting comfortably at the top.

It’s not that people don’t care about corruption; they do and many hate it. But their more important concerns are the needs of their family, stable income or even extra income, education of their children, jobs after graduation for the youth, livelihood after divorce for women, and many more everyday economics issues.

The New Deal should be understood, elaborated and clearly defined. Only then can it be shared to all Malaysians so that they shall know what is in store for them when a new, clean, democratic and fairer government is formed in the coming general election.

Yes, it’s still a dream, a Malaysian Dream indeed; yet there’s a possibility that it could be a dream come true if we want it enough. – November 17, 2017.

* Wan Hamidi Hamid is a veteran journalist with a deep love and knowledge of rock music

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.