DAP to continue nation-building role, whether in government or opposition - Teo
The principle formed the basis of DAP's struggle to ensure Malaysia continued to develop as a nation with a sustainable governance system, while prioritising the interests and welfare of the people.
KULAI - The DAP wants to continue playing its role as a nation-building party, regardless of whether it is in government or the opposition, by championing transparent, fair and sustainable policies, said its vice-president Teo Nie Ching.
Teo, who is also Deputy Communications Minister, said the principle formed the basis of DAP's struggle to ensure Malaysia continued to develop as a nation with a sustainable governance system, while prioritising the interests and welfare of the people.
"Regardless of whether we are in the opposition or in government, we want to be a nation builder.
"… we want to develop our country together and that is why we want to ensure that we can make Malaysia a country with a sustainable system,” she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
The Wanita DAP chief said the party's contribution to nation-building was not confined to economic and physical development, but also included efforts to strengthen inclusive and fair policies, including taking into account the needs of women and children.
Commenting on DAP's participation in the Madani Government, Teo said its position provided the party with an opportunity to translate its principles into policies and action through direct involvement in the country's administration.
The Kulai MP said the priority was to ensure that the policies it championed could be implemented transparently and benefit the people, thereby contributing to the country's long-term development.
"Our intention is to ensure that we can contribute to nation-building by ensuring that we have policies that are more open and transparent,” she said.
Asked about DAP's approach ahead of the 16th General Election, Teo said the party left it to the people to make their own assessment, but efforts to win over voters should be based on its achievements and track record during its time in government.
She cited the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), which was among the reform agendas championed by the party for more than 50 years before being realised through the passage of the Malaysian Media Council Act under the MADANI Government.
"Malaysia now has the MMM, chaired by a former Federal Court judge, demonstrating the efforts to realise the institutional reform agenda under the Madani Government.
"In addition, Pakatan Harapan has also championed the proposal to limit the Prime Minister's term of office, with Penang becoming the first state to amend its state constitution to limit the Chief Minister's tenure to 10 years. The agenda was subsequently brought to the federal government level, with the hope that the proposal would be passed in the Dewan Rakyat,” she said.
Touching on the challenges of implementing policies while in government, Teo said not all decisions received the support of every party, particularly when the interests of certain groups were involved.
She said this was among the challenges faced by parties in government, but their track record in implementing policies should serve as evidence to the people of the efforts undertaken.
"I believe that being in government does come with its pros and cons. The cons are quite obvious because not all policies will be supported by everyone.
"...when we, for example, decided to raise the minimum wage to RM2,000, there are business people and employers who disagree with that direction. But I think what is most important is that we show voters our track record so that they will be willing to give DAP a chance,” she said. - BERNAMA
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