Divisive actions and rhetoric should be replaced with cooperation
As we move into the new year -- and a new term for the government -- it is more important than ever for the country to come together and move forward together.
This will not be easy -- there have been attacks and counter-attacks, accusations and counter-accusations -- many of them touching on matters of great seriousness and severity.
But the only way ahead now is for all parties to try to move beyond these differences.
That does not mean putting their differences aside or dismissing very real complaints and concerns. But it does mean trying to address them in a productive and respectful manner.
The ruling party has made many promises in its election manifesto, in its campaign, and subsequent to the election. We would like to see them fulfilled.
Indeed the ruling party must be held accountable for the promises that have been made and act swiftly to bring the nation together and return to the work of the nation.
To that end, we are encouraged to see the prime minister reiterate that she is the premier of all the people. We are heartened to hear her say that her party does not condone the politics of revenge, rather, the focus should be on the work of building the nation.
Similarly, it is very positive to hear the AL general secretary making it unequivocally clear that ruling party members should not be harassing members of the opposition, and that rather than engaging in rowdy celebrations, the focus should be on letting go of grudges and on the work that lies ahead.
This is what we want to hear and this what we hope to see more of as the ruling party begins its unprecedented third consecutive term in office.
The government has its plate full, and its 80-page manifesto promising amenities, employment, and human rights for all is nothing if not ambitious.
But for all that to happen, old wounds must be healed, and divisive actions and rhetoric should be replaced with cooperation and commonality of purpose.
As for the differences in opinion that remain, we hope for constructive solutions in the coming months, and a shunning of any sort of violence.
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