Malaysia's parties must do more

V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Kuala Lumpur

Political parties, especially those in the ruling Barisan National (National Front), will have to do a bit more to help in the successful implementation of government policies and projects.

In fact, their active participation can make a big difference to ensure that the people will really benefit from such projects.

Unfortunately, the coalition's component members too often have become critical of government schemes to give the people a better start in life.

Take education. Each year, the government will spend billions of ringgit to ensure that all school going children have the access to education which is free.

At the same time, it has made such formal schooling compulsory and those parents who do not enrol their children will have to face the consequences.

There have been many complaints about the difference in the quality of education between the rural and urban schools.

Rural children are handicapped because the experienced teachers are not prepared to be transferred to the ulu's for obvious reasons. These schools also do not have the facilities and infrastructure found in the urban areas.

The result is that those in rural areas do not perform well in their studies and, therefore, cannot compete with the urban ones.

Instead of just complaining of the lack of teachers and facilities, Barisan members should do something and not leave everything to the Government.

Such remedial efforts can do a lot in the academic studies of this backward group. If this is done, it will be possible for these pupils to show an improvement in their studies.

Barisan component parties are often proud to announce that they now have thousands of branches in every nook and corner.

But what is the use of this vast network if it is not put to good use? Most of their branches are active only when there is an election. This is such a waste and it is incumbent upon the leadership to make use of their branches to help the people in whatever way they can.

As part of the ruling coalition, many of its members are depending too much on the government and the civil servants to do the work. While it is the duty of those employees to serve the people, much more can be achieved if the two can complement each other.

Many of the social ills can be overcome if more activities are organized for the youth.

If the Barisan members are prepared to do this, then the coalition should be in a much stronger position to get the people's support in implementing government policies and in winning elections.