TAMU Hotel & Suites, Kuala Lumpur 03012021br br “The present is the past rolled up for action and the past is the present unrolled for understanding.” – Ariel and Will Durant (The Lessons of History)br br So, let it be for 2020, which is now past but shall never be forgotten, for the lessons it teaches us – if we care to understand them. Hence, as we take our first important strides into 2021, let us also consider how we can learn from those lessons of the past. br br Uppermost to my mind is the question of national unity. While there will always be contrarian views, I believe that I am on the right side of history to reaffirm our tribute to our leaders who had given their heart and soul for the nation in their quest for unity and togetherness. br br The likes of Onn Ja’afar, Ahmad Boestamam and Dr Burhanuddin al Helmy and their vision for an independent, multi-ethnic and united Malaya. We had Tan Cheng Lock, H. S. Lee, and V. T. Sambanthan, not mere poster boys for political alliance but leaders with the courage of conviction to see beyond race and religion. br br And of course, we had Tunku Abdul Rahman, not one for rhetoric but a truly committed leader who by example demonstrated as to what it takes to govern a democratic, multiracial and multireligious nation. br br And conversely, we must “unlearn” from those on the side of negativity, the voices of disharmony and race baiting, those who profess one thing but do the other to flash that trump card of race causing dissension and animosity. Those that can only thrive by using fear and ignorance. So, it is one thing to espouse those noble principles but quite another to stand by them and not to cave in against the onslaught of those who fan the flames of ethnic superiority and religious bigotry. br br Political and social elite must empathise with the plight of the poor and the marginalised; rural and urban and the hinterland of Sabah and Sarawak.br br More so in times like these where the hold on power is so fragile and the temptation to yield to these forces may seem imperative. br br But therein lies the test of real leadership. As for KEADILAN and Pakatan Harapan, it’s not a game of one-upmanship to flaunt who has the greatest drawing power for votes from one ethnic group or religious community, but a real test of statesmanship to see who is truly committed for the long-term future of the nation. br br With our principles deeply rooted in such a foundation, Pakatan Harapan together with all progressive forces must go back into full swing to rekindle the agenda for reform, transparency and good governance. It is not just about the failures of the ruling government in dealing with the ravages of the corona virus on our economy. I can go on about that for sure. Nor is it just about the blatant power grab by politicians who, while clinging on to that power for dear life, continue to evade accountability by resorting to emergency measures and other devious means.