Madani – a humane concept
PUTRAJAYA: A country that believes in humanity and values like fair, just and effective governance – that is the Malaysia that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim envisions. Calling it the Malaysia Madani concept, the Prime Minister said it was to ensure an equitable economy as well as good governance where leakages are prevented and public funds are prudently and justifiably spent. Anwar said he did not intend to introduce a new vision or build a new “monument”, but the Malaysia Madani concept would be for leaders and the people to realise their responsibility towards the country. ALSO READ: Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies“Our aim is not just to strengthen the economy but also to ensure that the core values of ethics and morality that are accepted and propagated by all religions are practised,” he said when launching the concept at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
“I have great confidence that, with cooperation between the political leadership and the civil service, Malaysia will be able to regain its good name on the global stage. “We do not want scandals, problems or racial and religious disputes.“Malaysia must be known as a Madani nation that is prosperous, fair and rejects any form of cruelty towards any individual or race.
ALSO READ: A good concept, but it has to work, say Johor folk
“It must be a nation that is known for its renewed spirit,” he said when unveiling the Malaysia Madani concept. Madani is an acronym for a policy that embraces six core values – keMampanan (Sustainability), KesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya Cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust) and Ihsan (Compassion). Anwar said the unity government’s plans took into account the global realities of today where there were uncertainties, complexities, contradictions and chaos. He said the Madani concept was part of a strategic framework that was comprehensive and could absorb the changes in these post-normal times.ALSO READ: Zahid: Efforts can take nation back to glory
“The time has come for us to stop measuring human progress and successes just on economic growth. “Growth and development must be attained through a larger context, through the humane economy which prioritises the needs of the people, especially the poor and the marginalised. “They must be released from the clutches of poverty in a capitalist system that breeds inequality in wealth and living standards,” the Prime Minister said. He expressed confidence that a democratic market economy based on social justice could help achieve this goal. The issue of a humane economy had been deliberated in his The Asian Renaissance book more than two decades ago. “Fast forward to 2023, I believe the theme is still relevant and, in fact, imperative to achieve a sustainable economic growth that cares for the people and can save the country,” he said. On governance, Anwar said that while each political bloc that had governed the country had its own strengths, it was more important to eliminate the weaknesses. He said bad management and the enrichment of small groups were the biggest weaknesses. “I am confident that if there is good governance, we will be able to tackle the economic storm with confidence,” he said, adding that one way to stop leakages and mismanagement was for ministers to review the Auditor-General’s Report and rectify issues. “If the political leadership and civil servants work hand-in-hand, between RM5bil and RM6bil of public funds can be saved, just from the Auditor-General’s report alone,” he said. To boost the economy, the system and laws of the country must be upheld, with no favouritism or discrimination. “If the government machinery functions optimally, and we resolve the issue of governance, God willing, the wheels of the economy will turn faster. We will see better and greater growth,” he said.Also present at the launch were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers and senior civil servants.
ALSO READ: Madani – a humane concept
The slogans are used to identify a prime minister’s policies and political philosophy as well as encapsulate their image or brand, says National Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir.
“Every time a new prime minister comes along, he will come up with his own slogan,” he said.
So far, no prime minister has chosen to continue with his predecessors’ slogans. The practice of having a slogan or brand for a prime minister began with Datuk Seri (now Tun) Dr Mahathir Mohamad when he launched his Wawasan 2020, which envisioned a Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian nationality). ALSO READ: Anwar: No more racist or unfair policies His successor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had his Islam Hadhari, followed by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Malaysia Prihatin was the most recent, followed by Datuk Seri Ismail’s Sabri’s Keluarga Malaysia. The latest – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Malaysia Madani – is very much on-brand with Anwar’s Islamic background, identity and philosophy.ALSO READ: A good concept, but it has to work, say Johor folk
“Anwar has chosen a theme similar to that of the Islam Hadhari. Both have Islamic elements,” said Dr Jeniri. He said Anwar’s challenge would be to realise his brand effectively, and he would need the media and his communication teams to play their roles well. While taglines are an important political marketing tool, they also bring an extra burden on the public purse to promote them, said Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi. “For example, the Keluarga Malaysia slogan saw a lot of public spending to promote various related aspects throughout the tenure of the ninth prime minister’s (Ismail Sabri),” he said. Awang Azman said slogans could leave a lasting and deep impression depending on the length of the prime minister’s tenure. “Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad introduced the Wawasan 2020 concept in 1991. It left a deep impact because he was in power for a very long time, and it was even picked up by his successors to some extent,” he said. Universiti Sains Malaysia professor of political sociology Prof Sivamurugan Pandian said the practice of using slogans was also done in other countries such as India and the United States.“Slogans are important to set an agenda for any leadership, and the expectation is for others to react in order to understand the way forward, vision and mission through the tenure of any leadership.”
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