During a panel titled: “New Malaysia Forging Ahead Together” at the Malaysia: A New Dawn conference held on Monday, former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz gave some pointers on how the new Malaysia should move forward in the new century.

Rafidah said Pakatan Harapan leaders should not be shackled by their election manifesto in governing, citing the example of what she told Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad” when he decided to retract himself from helming the Education Ministry. She reminded the present Government that Malaysians want people-centric governance instead of politics-centric governance.

The former International Trade and Industry Minister also proposed several strategies for the private sector to move forward, including urging the Government to engage the private sector in facilitating new policies and to serve as a problem-solver to the private sector.

In education, Rafidah urged the Government to look into revamping the present system in the country, to get it in line with the imperatives in the global marketplace. She also urged for a review of what is being taught in schools and the methods of teaching.

For everyone to move in tangent when forging together, Rafidah asked Malaysians to be honest in voicing their opinions and for the Government to give room for the people to give their constructive criticism.