Agent For Change: A Q&A With The PM On How The Things He Does Are 'For The Good of The Nation'

 PUTRAJAYA: Much wiser after four years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not mince words, saying Umno has to run faster to catch up with him.

"Change or you will be changed," Najib warned.

Showing the political maturity wanted of many leaders, Najib also threw this challenge to Pakatan Rakyat: "For the good of the nation, set up a formal coalition, put up a shadow cabinet and we can sit down as mature leader."

Najib said all these and more to The Malay Mail journalists in an exclusive interview which lasted well part midnight in Seri Perdana on Sunday.

The Malay Mail (TMM): After the Umno AGM, are you more confident that you have managed to consolidate the party in time for the elections... you know, all the various "factions"?

NAJIB: I believe Umno is a much invigorated party after the clarion call I made, about four years ago, that we need to go through a process of self analysis, self criticism to know what we need to do to overcome the weaknesses and shortcomings that led to the political tsunami of 2008.

... also for us to consolidate ourselves and work on a plan to strengthen and revive Umno. I see that coming to a head, so to speak. All the work we've done over the last four years have come to fruition at this assembly because I see Umno with renewed vigor... a much more united Umno.

Of course, we still need to look at some of the internal challenges we have. That goes with every political party, there will always be differences of opinion. But, by and large, people want to work together to achieve a big victory for Umno and Barisan Nasional.

 TMM: Do you see more seriousness in Umno, this time (in responding to your calls to change face new realities)?

NAJIB: I do! I do see a stronger spirit, and they're heeding my call. For example we should be more inclusive, Umno should lead the way, we should take care of the Malays as well as the other races in the country.

I think that's gone through the assembly because people didn't ridicule or knock down the other races (this time) and there was none of the sensitive racial statements or terminologies that were used before.

This is a much more balanced and much more matured assembly, an assembly that is primed to go to battle, so to speak.

 TMM: You talk about 1Malaysia all the time, and there were factions that were skeptical of 1Malaysia in Umno itself. How do you come to terms with that? Umno and 1Malaysia.

NAJIB: Anytime you choose something, you introduce something new, there will be a period of acceptance, and that goes with 1Malaysia as well. I didn't define the concept very clearly, but that was by design.

I decided that there should be an element of strategic ambiguity so that one introduce a concept like that, as time goes by, the definition could take on board the views of people.

I think we've done exactly that and the concept of 1Malaysia is now clearly understood.

TMM: Outside of Umno, there are still skeptics... the minorities who are still skeptical about 1Malaysia.

NAJIB: They're skeptical of 1Malaysia because of the experiences because of the experiences they've encountered. They may not see 1Malaysia as something that has been practiced within the entire government system. But again, people must realize this is a journey. When you introduce something, it is a journey before you get to a situation where it becomes all embracing. Because you're talking about people, adjusting people's minds and attitudes, and of course some people have certain interpretations, certain prejudices which are not easily overcome.

You have to allow this and see this as part and parcel of a long journey. What is important is not only that the journey has started, but that we're well on our way. We have not reached our destination, but we are well on our way to getting it embedded as part of our national psyche and as well as our Malaysian way of life.

TMM: 1Malaysia is already being practiced by the masses. It is the politicians who are not practicing it for (political) expediency. We've been practicing 1Malaysia since the time of the Tunku, since the time of your father...

NAJIB: During the period of Tunku and my father there was this notion that we must get all the races to work together, but there was no attempt to really define it. There was no attempt to translate that into certain values associated with 1Malaysia.

For example, under the 1Malaysia concept, there are few basic fundamental principles attached. Number one is that we have to have a principle of social justice, about being inclusive, practicing moderation...

This is the first time that we're trying to really define it in terms of the principles and the values associated with 1Malaysia. I think it's a much more comprehensive way of looking at it, so that once you have those, you can translate them into government policies.

Imagine it's a house and the roof of the house is 1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now. Then you have the pillars, the various ETP, GTP, PTP and all. But the over-arching is 1Malaysia. We needed to define 1Malaysia. in the past, people talked about working together, but there was no real operational definition of what that meant.

TMM: When you first became prime minister, everybody was watching you. Now, you have come out very popular, your rankings are very high. You can be said to be one of the most popular prime ministers, but the same cannot be said about Umno and BN. At the same time, you seem to have surpassed the party and BN and also some of your leaders. How would you convince the voters, especially the urban voters, that it will be a new and improved BN, after you get your mandate?

NAJIB: If I want to reform the party, I need a mandate from the people. Without the mandate from the electorate how can I reform the party? We have started making the changes, but the process fo change needs to be accelerated and it has to be something that is embedded as part of our political image of Umno and Barisan Nasional.

For me to complete my job, my task, I would require a strong mandate from the people. Then, with a strong mandate from the people I can say: "Look, the people have spoken. They believe in the policies that I propounded and therefore those policies need to be really enshrined and Umno and BN must reflect those policies supported by the people.".

That to me is the final part of the journey. With this mandate, I know people believe in my policies and BN itself will be totally transformed in the final stage to reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people.

TMM: How do we know that because of your immense popularity, you're not being used as a conduit to get BN back on track, get back two-thirds and make it strong again. The fear is that once power is regained, to put it crudely, we go back to the bad, old ways.

Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was asked why he squandered a 90-plus percent mandate. His response was: "Even if I get 90 percent of the people's votes, if Umno doesn't want me, what do you want me to do?" Having seen that happen, there is a bit of fear that the same may happen to you.

NAJIB: I think, this time around, it will be different. I believe we have learned our lesson because I keep saying that the political environment has changed. I don't see this as a simple cyclical change. I see this as a structural change in society. People are becoming more aware because of access to better education, because of ICT. Obviously, people are becoming more aware and empowered.

Therefore, values have changed and expectations have increased. As a government that wants to stay in power, you must realize that you have to respond to them.

I keep saying that that the era of "government knows best" is over. I believe that. I'm reading not only the demographical change, but also a fundamental shift in Malaysian society.

Therefore, if Umno and BN want to stay in power, they must reflect that change. That change is an irreversible change. I'm committed to making that change happen, because if I'm to it then you might be fearful but I already read, it four years ago. If you look back and study my speeches, you will see they reflect a very consistent pattern. I even started saying: "If you don't change, you will be charged."

I said that from day one, I'm very much aware and sensitive about it. With this mandate, a strong mandate from the people, I will deliver what I promised. In the last four years, haven't I delivered? Isn't real change and progress taking place? People are beginning to see the picture taking shape... the GTP, ETP, PTP, everything I promised. Even the ISA which is something that people couldn't imagine removed.

I took a political risk in removing the ISA and amending the Universities and University Colleges Act.

It's a whole plethora of changes that we have done that will complete this transformational journey of Malaysia. This is a big transformation agenda. This is not just about GE 13, it's about transforming the nation and I'm committed to it.

It would be quite different if I think about just winning. I'm thinking about transforming the country. I'm talking about beyond GE 13. I'm talking about a new, better Malaysia, a Malaysia that can be at the forefront of other nations.

TMM: You may be sincere about that, but some of your plans have been derailed by those within your party, especially those with skeletons in their cupboards. How are you going to convince the voters that you're going to replace these people?

NAJIB: They must trust me. Based on my track record, I've done my best, but we've not reached there yet. Based on what I've done in the last four years, I believe that there should be enough evidence that I'm committed in making this happen. With this mandate, the change will be accelerated.

TMM: So, is rejecting the list of candidates recently, sending it back to the drawing board, all part of that?

NAJIB: As I said, I want candidates who will be able to reflect this transformational journey. But, as you know it doesn't mean every single candidate. Maybe a candidate that fits the profile because we're working in a party system. My hands are a little bit tied in some cases, but I think by the large we'll be able to put a team that will be able to convince the people we have enough talented and committed people to work with me as a team to deliver the transformation that I've promised.

TMM: How is your relationship with the deputy prime minister?

NAJIB: Good! I have no problems with him. We have different personalities, but he's a loyal deputy. Whatever we decide, some of the work I have to do, some of the work he does. For example, when we go down to the states, our officers coordinate. He does certain areas and I cover certain areas. If I'm in Kedah, he'll be down in the south, if I'm in Sabah, he will be somewhere else. So we complement each other. It's an integral part of working in the government.

TMM: Mud has consistently been thrown at you and the people around you. How are you responding to these allegations which will not go away?

NAJIB: Whatever they throw doesn't stick because there's no truth in any of it. No evidence, no truth. It has been overcome because I've delivered, and they see the sincerity in me... well, I believe they see the sincerity in me because otherwise, as you said, my ratings won't be this high. If they believe I'm sincere, they trust me. The important thing is trust. Leadership is about trust. People must trust you. But, that trust must be earned. It's not something automatic.

I've worked very, very hard. As (former DAP vice president) Tunku Abdul Aziz said: "The prime minister that works his socks off."

I've brought this brand that I'm very hardworking and committed. A seven-day week is quite normal for me. I'm putting my heart and soul in it... and every sinew in my body is committed towards delivering this massive transformation for the country.

TMM: Did you have to work harder than your predecessors because of these attacks?

NAJIB: Yes. I believe so. Even in my speech at the PPP Convention, I said, partly in jest... Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was there. I said: "Dr Mahathir announced Vision 2020. He had the easy part. He announced it. I have the most difficult part because I have to deliever it. It's only seven years to go."

TMM: Are you confident the Transformation Programs will hit by 2020?

NAJIB: Of course, I'm confident. The numbers speak for themselves, you see? Our GDP now per capita is almost USD10,000 (RM30,450). We're getting more than five percent growth. We're getting the investments in.

Things are happening against a very strong external headwind. People nowadays, even if you get two percent, people are overjoyed. But Malaysia is getting five percent. So it is a testimony to the changes that we've made in Malaysia.

If we didn't have the ETP and GTP, I tell you, we'll be in trouble today.

TMM: Do any of these attacks cow you down?

NAJIB: I don't lose any sleep. But I get very agitated at times because I don't think it's fair... because there's no truth in it. It's gutter politics. But, they are the Opposition. They throw things at you and sometimes people have certain perceptions of people in high office.

I reconcile it with the fact that it's part and parcel, it's the hazard of the job as they say. You have to accept it. You have the advantages of incumbency but you have some disadvantages as well.

You take it as a whole and should not allow it to deter you. I'm very, very energized to work as hard as I can, to fulfill the promise I've made to the Malaysian people. I cannot let the Malaysian people down.

And don't forget, from my personal perspective, my late father was one of the founding members, founding leaders of the nation. I cannot let him down either.

TMM: What about Sabah and Sarawak? They're finally holding the key to BN's survival, but they're not happy with some of the state leaders. They also believe that their wealth is being siphoned off to Peninsular Malaysia.

NAJIB: Well, that's totally wrong. If you look at the facts, there is more money being pumped in there than the income that we get from oil. We've done a lot for the development of Sabah and Sarawak. Of course those two states are colossal in size and some of the rural areas are very, very inaccessible. The agenda to bring the development of Sabah and Sarawak to be at par with the peninsula will take time. It is a fact of life. But it is something that will happen, given time.

What is important now is to ensure we can deliver. The two present chief ministers are close with us, in the sense that they are giving us full cooperation to make it happen for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

TMM: The perception is that, despite your efforts, not enough is being done to address corruption. Each time you say "BN has a track record", critics can respond by saying: "Of course they have a track record. Look at the annual Auditor General's Report, PKFZ, NFC..."

NAJIB: Well, let's put it this way... after a few years now, there are question marks as well in relations to the administration of the Pakatan states.

What are they doing in Kelantan? Although no one has been charged in Kelantan, there are many decisions that have raised a lot of suspicion... in Selangor as well, Kedah even... some of the decisions made in Penang are being questioned now... and that's only four years.

Look at BN. It's been in office for longer and a lot of the problems are legacy problems that I have to deal with, you see? They're not new problems, they are legacy problems.

We have to take it, we have to look forward. Some of these old problems will eventually be settled, but we have to look forward to make sure things will get better. I better believe things will get better.

Corruption is something which we will not be able to be resolve overnight. We are serious about it. We have done a lot to fight corruption. A number of people have been charged and the process will continue.

We will tighten up the administration as well. Right now, for example, direct negotiations are very rare. Most of our purchases are on an annual basis. The MRT project, River of Life Project, Petronas projects...

The Opposition has not been able to find anything. There are times when we make certain decisions. We can explain why we make certain decisions, but the Opposition loves to twist the facts. They're very good spinners. That's the problem that we are encountering now.

TMM: Is it accurate to say that your decisions are popular among the people but no popular with the people who are supposed to be backing you? Some of your political supporters for instance…you know, not allowing direct negotiations is not going to sit well with some of them.

NAJIB: Well, they have to come to terms with what the people want. I’m here to serve the Malaysian people. If that’s the wish of Malaysian people, so be it. I’m their leader and if they are my supporters, they must also believe in me because what I’m doing is not for me. It’s for the rakyat. 

TMM: You have said all this, yet during your transformation programs, you did have some like Teraju which catered only to the Malays. Would you say that Umno is holding the country back in its economic reforms. You have yet to remove the bumiputera agenda, so the continuation of strict policies that excludes the limited participation of other races is still there.

NAJIB: Let me tell you, we have to work within the Constitution. And the spirit of the Constitution in Malaysia has dictated to us to work towards continuing with the bumiputera agenda. But the policy of implementation is different.

I’m looking at trying to help the bumiputeras who can help themselves. Even with programs like Teraju, they have to go through the mill. It’s not that I can help anyone I wish to help without having gone through the mill and that they are the best of the bumiputeras. By doing that, I am ensuring that these are the people who deserve the help.

The criticism of the bumiputera policy is they feel that some of the bumiputeras don’t deserve to be helped but they got help. Through the system, we’ve become much more objective.

At the same time, it shouldn’t be seen as a zero-sum game. Once we’ve helped the bumiputeras, we must also be fair to the others, and this is what I’m doing. We have never promised to do away with the bumiputera policy. That’s never been our promise. Our promise was to be fair to the Malaysian people. And that’s what I’m doing.

TMM: How important are the Chinese votes to the BN? Or does the party feel it can make do because the majority of the votes lie with the Malays.

NAJIB: No, I believe every single vote is important. And I’m beginning to engage with the Chinese as well. They’re beginning to realize that all may not be that well with the Opposition.

First of all, their economic policies now are becoming rather dubious in terms of the impact to the economy. Many businessmen think now that our economic policies are going to benefit them more.

There is this appreciation now, of BN policies under my leadership and we hope to continue engaging with them and, hopefully, we will be able to get more support from the Chinese community.

TMM: Having said that, how is the battle with PAS, how are you going to win the hearts and minds of the Muslims?

NAJIB: I think people are beginning to see that PAS is not synonymous with what they claim to be. They call themselves Part Islam but people are beginning to have doubts as to whether some of the actions are based on the Islamic principles of syariat Islam.

Especially, of course, when they are at odds as to the future direction. First of all, they never defined what at Islamic state is. And then they were talking about hudud. And then they decided to change to welfare state... but they believe in the struggle to have an Islamic state. However they define it, DAP is not the right partner for them. DAP will be a stumbling block.

TMM: Who would the right partner be?

NAJIB: Well, we’re not saying they should partner with Umno, but they should have a dialogue with Umno. Because, if anything at all, we certainly will be more receptive than DAP. DAP is the opposite pole. And this leads me to the point that if a coalition which is so loose and fundamentally not constant with one another, can they form a viable government? Surely, the answer is no.

Even at this stage, they cannot even provide a Shadow Cabinet which, in my opinion, is a precursor to the ability of any coalition to form a workable government, a viable government.

If you can’t, even in the Opposition, form a Shadow Cabinet, then…this is what a wise electorate should ask about. You must indicate that you are able to form a viable government. But until today, they cannot form a Shadow Cabinet. To me, that is very telling.

If I’m a discerning voter, I certainly will not accept the excuses. And I would like the Opposition to 1: form a Shadow Cabinet; 2: form a formal coalition and 3: have a common manifesto. And they must stand on the same banner. They are not, at all.

TMM: So, you would welcome a Shadow Cabinet breathing down your neck?

NAJIB: Yes! Of course! I would like them to have a Shadow Cabinet. It’s good for the people.

TMM: Would you agree that we are at the dawn of a two-party system? Would you welcome that?

NAJIB: They claim they want a two party system, but they’re falling short of it. If there’s a two party system in the Westminster System, then a Shadow Cabinet is a pre-requisite. This is a challenge to them and they are falling short.

TMM: Do you have objection, sir, to sitting down with opposition members? Can we one day see all of you come together at one table for the sake of the nation?

NAJIB: Certain issues with a common understanding yes, certainly we can. But they don’t have any cohesive policies as such, you know. They are a loose coalition, a motley crew of three different parties. They don’t have any common platform.

TMM: But that’s where you come in, as the bigger man taking the moral high ground, saying: “Guys, look, let’s sit down, we can’t be bickering like this all the time.”

NAJIB: But, there must be mutual respect. The problem is sometimes the things they say outside in their ceramah. If they want to be a constructive opposition, then my message is: Behave in a constructive way.” Then, our respect for them will be much higher.

TMM: Do you dream of the day when the main ruling party of this country is made up not of different parties with different races, but one party with all races?

NAJIB: I’d like to see that happening, but I think it should be a natural process, an evolution. You cannot force it. It’s better for us to do it when we’re ready because if you do it too early, the structure will be flawed with a lot of internal problems.

And we have not reached that stage yet. I don’t think it’s such a big problem now. What is important is to put in place policies that are fair to all races. That is what I’m trying to do.

TMM: You are so focused on the youth, the 2.9 million new voters. Your hope is for this new generation to bring your dream of 1Malaysia to fruition. This is perhaps you’ve given up hope on the present generation?

NAJIB: (laughs) No, I’m not giving up. Don’t get me wrong…you’re putting words into my mouth! I have not given up hope on anyone. I believe this is a journey and for the journey to succeed, we have to talk beyond 2020. 1Malaysia will probably take longer when you reach 2020 for it to be something which is totally part and parcel of the Malaysian psyche.

I recognize the importance of youth because they will provide the continuity. One of the responsibilities of a leader is to prepare for the future. If you don’t prepare for the future, then you will not be discharging your duties as a leader who should not be just concerned for the next GE but for the future of Malaysia.

TMM: A reader quipped: “I pity Najib. He’s a good man, but he’s all alone.” Is this the true picture?

NAJIB: (Laughs) I think they’re wrong. You could see it in the assembly… support was overwhelming at the assembly. They wouldn’t have reacted that way. It was not orchestrated at all.

TMM: How did you get them to behave?

NAJIB: I was surprised, when they stood up at the assembly, four minutes before I finished my speech. Usually, you get a standing ovation after you’ve finished your speech.

TMM: And they cried…

NAJIB: …and I didn’t do anything to make them cry. I didn’t give them any onions to make them cry. The party is with me, but maybe there is a sense that I’m moving very fast and the rest have to catch up. But that doesn’t mean I’m alone. The party is with me.

TMM: …even if you have to drag some of them kicking and screaming?

NAJIB: (laughs) No, they’re with me. But, maybe as prime minister I’m running fast. I don’t know whether I’m intellectually faster than anyone. I seem to be running faster, which gives the perception that I’m doing it alone.

But, make no mistake about it, Umno and BN are firmly behind me. I am not alone. More than three million Umno members are with me.

(Source: The Malay Mail - December 7, 2012)