The Death of Democracy

It’s way past 1am and I am heartbroken, cheated. My heart weeps. Never before have I ever been so disappointed in Malaysia.

Let me ask. Why hold general elections at all? Where is your integrity? Where is the transparency? How can you claim SPR to be an independent commission when it allows for all these blatant lies and trickery to proceed? How can there be 600,000 Banglas who hold Malaysian citizenship? How do you explain the extra ballot boxes? How do you explain the phantom voters? How do you explain the blackout in Bentong? And oh, the money politics.

I’m a first time voter – and this election has left me utterly crushed and disappointed.

Do you really think the general public consists of such idiots in which you can trample upon and utterly disregard? It is OUR right and OUR choice to pick OUR government. And you have robbed us of our every right.

My only consolation would be that Lim Guan Eng is still our Chief Minister. And he is still there because my fellow Penangites have done all that we can to defend him in his place. I saw unity in Penangites – and for this I commend the courageous Penang!

We will remember this GE13. The rakyat will become so strong that YOU, the government – will have to fear US. The more you oppress us, the more strongly we will stand up against you. Just. You. Wait.

Shame on you, Barisan Nasional. Next time, tilt your ‘dacing’ sideways – for justice just got headshot at point blank. Democracy is dead in Malaysia.

You shall see the repercussions of your injustice. Righteousness will always prevail. You may have won the country, but never our hearts.

Sincerely, PENANG LANG.

BERSIH 2.0

Yes, the 9th of July rally is over and done with but that does not mean that we should stop talking about Bersih 2.0.

The desired outcomes of Bersih are relevant and necessary towards a healthy and successful nation building. It does not end unless there is a true electoral reformation that will see us Malaysians basking in the light of an impartial and clean election.

There are 8 issues that Bersih calls for a change:

1. Clean the electoral roll
2. Reform postal ballot
3. Use of indelible ink
4. A minimum of 21 days campaigning period
5. Free and fair access to media
6. Strengthening of public institutions
7. Stop corruption
8. Stop dirty politics

(Reference: About Bersih 2.0 )

I think that if you label yourself a patriot; a real Malaysian, you would be fighting to protect the calls of change in which Bersih is fighting for. The assumption that rallying on the streets, or a demonstration (as they call it, whilst slyly dropping the word 'peaceful' selectively) can only lead to public fear is nothing but an outright lie.

Why so? Because this rally has dug up the genuine beauty of us Malaysians - as ONE.

I believe that it is through rallying that our voices can truly be heard. And it is through this sort of gathering that we can see the bright colours of our fellow Malaysians shine - in times of support and trouble. If you would take the time to read this article (click here) you will see that so many of our countrymen actually love Malaysia so much and that we do all we can to fight for a better Malaysia.

The 9th of July 2011 made me proud - that I am a patriot - striving for a maturing nation, fighting for the better good and loving the courageous people who dared to voice out.

Malaysian Politics - It's Been A Long Time Since I Read the Papers. XD

The departure of the self-declared man of principles – Zaid Ibrahim - from PKR garnered much of media publicity, public attention and many more question marks about the future of our nation’s political maturity.

One and a half years ago, he was heralded as a hero, for voicing out his opinions and then later stepping down from BN in favour of ‘his principles’. He then resigned from BN for opposing the abuse of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and apparently joined PKR after “much consideration”.

All these current news about him departing from PKR to form a new party that will protect the interests of the public is shedding light on the true colours of his motives. He has proven that he is an egoistical politician – much like so many others – who speaks fiercely of protecting public interests when they are only vying for power. I expected him to be a better team player but I guess all of the rakyat’s expectations were too high of him.

He was trusted; he was given recognition as a leader in PKR but then now he’s just shredding off his own dignity together with the credibility of the opposition party. He’s singing the same song with a different tune – why want to dilute the opposition pool?

I assume true the speculations that he is nothing more but a Trojan Horse to PKR.

Despite talks about a ‘Third Force’ that he intends to start up, I personally feel that nothing in our political field will ever change for the betterment of the people if politicians lack the integrity to rule. Honesty in politics is scarce, but still the people are praying with every ounce of hope that light will prevail in every general election.

When is our nation ever going to mature and put an end to these endless tirades of politicking? Forget not how many thousands of taxpayers’ money we are wasting to sustain these political squabbles. Enough with the money politics and the sabotaging!

Where has all that genuine sincerity to build the rakyat gone to? Have we truly lost it along the years together with our patriotic enthusiasm?

“Politicians are all the same - it's all about massaging their own ego and serving their own interests.” – Edwrong, Malaysiakini.

We are definitely in need of a paradigm shift, and right NOW.

Bankrupt in Nine Years

I read with much concern Minister Idris Jala’s prediction that Malaysia will be bankrupt in nine years time. And soon, citizens may have to face a serious reduction in subsidies by the government.

At the rate that our nation is going, many are not surprised that we’ll stumble and fall way before our predicted expiry of nine years and collapse in five years instead. Why the skepticism?

Is it because of the infamous Malaysian ‘tidak apa’ attitude? Is it because of our poor financial management? Or is it wastage of funds by building white elephants? Is it misuse by those in power? Or is it the lack of transparency?

We taxpayers demand for an honest answer followed by substantial proof that the government is truly doing all that it can before choosing the last option of reducing subsidies for the public.

How can the government run out of money? How is it that the rich get richer here while the average class and the poor suffer in silence? Once fuel subsidy is reduced, there will be a significant rise in the prices of essential products. How are the average class and the poor going to cope with this drastic increase when they are barely meeting minimum necessities as it is now?

Not to mention, we still have to pay toll and new taxes – what with news of wanting to implement GST. The cost of living keeps increasing in Malaysia as well as everything else – except our pay. Citizens can’t even cut fuel expenses by opting to use public transportation. It is shameful to admit that after so many years, our public transportation standards are mediocre, at best!

One may argue that Malaysians pay less than some of our neighbouring countries for fuel. But we are exporters of oil while other countries like Singapore and Thailand are fuel importers! We should compare our figures fairly with countries like Brunei, a fuel exporter country, to see if we can have their stats at all!

Some observers are even comparing the state of our economy to Greece!

I believe that without the political tsunami in 2008, we citizens would still be in the dark as to our country’s deficits.

We citizens need to change with times and be brave enough to voice out what we need to say. In a democratic nation, public opinions should reach the government through and through. And the government should be leading a reformation of the nation that will benefit the people they serve. Sadly, the Malaysian lackadaisical attitude is what’s to blame for making us immune to bad governance after so many years.

Our government needs a clear foresight on what to do to bring about a holistic change for the betterment of our beloved nation. Irrationality and injustice affects not just the county’s image and progress but also hinders nationalism. Innovate yet remain relevant to your cause.

Be it a state led by BN or PR: PLEASE. Let us regain our trust in your governance that we may pull through our endeavours TOGETHER as a nation.

EMPTY VESSELS MAKE THE MOST NOISE.

GOD I love this dude's post bout Muhyiddin and Najib! It's exactly the same way I would put my opinion into Muhyiddin's recent brilliant statement.

READ THIS POST ON HELPVICTOR.BLOGSPOT.

You know, when I first read Chuck's Plurk, I thought it was some kind of April Fool's prank to fool the gullible. Imagine my shock when I saw THAT on the front cover of the not-so-streamline newspapers! WOW!

Yup. I believe that our dear politicians have succeeded in outdoing all the previous bull with this obvious ridicule of the very 1Malaysia concept so many other people are trying to foster and embrace.

While the rakyat at least attempt to converge together by accepting one another rather than mere tolerance - MAN, these empty vessels just had to step in irrationally and blurt out the most hypocritical statement concerning 1Malaysia to date. Kudos, man. Kudos.

Fine then, if the DPM says so... let's all put our needs first and forget about Malaysia because Malaysia's not primary importance! Yeah! I shan't go for NS to protect my country, I'm too busy trying out the new 3D PS3! 'Cos I'm selfish and that's the lesson I learnt today. Whee~!

The plain fact is that:

1. 1Malaysia is proven to be a hollow concept.

2. Politicians are hypocrites.

Politicians need to realise that this statement is extremely contradicting and that they need to seriously justify their positions and make up for their mistakes.

You know what? I'm disappointed. I was a fool to think that things could turn around for the better with what fantastic leadership we've got here.

I guess I should have known that all this talk about 1Malaysia was nothing but a passing fad; an empty concept, and an unreachable dream that'll never turn into reality.

HAPPY APRIL'S FOOL. PM & DPM managed to completely fool us with their 1Malaysia. Whee-hoo~!!

PM: We Can't Stop People From Protesting

PM: We Can't Stop People from Protesting

"Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today said that the government cannot stop people from gathering at mosques tomorrow to protest against a court decision which had allowed the Christian publication Herald to use to term "Allah"."

Source: Malaysiakini, 7 Jan 2010

Is this just a farce to gather support so that the Government can still be the defenders of Islam?

Or did he just indirectly allowed all 27 million Malaysians to protest but will not be arrested?!

I do not know why our esteemed politicians are fanning these sentiments - do they just want to make it clear that they are practicing double standards?! It's so obvious it makes me sick.

To think that the mentality of our politicians have stooped so low to say this - well, guess what? I think I've got 3 words that perfectly sums up majority of the public response...

...WHAT THE HECK?!?!

Beginning of the End

What an interesting way to start off the year 2010, eh? Another amazing display of the lackluster Malaysian governance!

Allah issue: PM urges calm while Govt appeals court’s decision

"PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged Muslims to remain calm over the High Court decision to allow the Catholic weekly, Herald, to use the word ‘Allah’ in its publication.

He said the Home Ministry would appeal the court’s decision and that he would keep the Rulers briefed.

The usage of the word Allah should be decided upon by the process of the law, he said.

"The Government is fully aware of the people's concern particularly Muslims all over the country, judging from various reactions received.

"This is a very sensitive issue and I truly understood the pressing situation which has stoked their feelings and emotions.

"I hope the situation will not be aggravated further and the Government does not encourage any demonstration or gathering to be held," he told reporters Sunday after presenting incentives to pupils in the Pekan constituency who excelled in the UPSR examinations last year.

On Thursday, the High Court allowed the Herald to use the word Allah.

Judge Lau Bee Lan had ruled that usage of the word was constitutional as long as the periodical was confined to educate the followers of the Christian faith.

Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said he would brief Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on the matter soon and with his consent, the issue would be discussed at the coming Conference of Rulers.

He expressed the hope for the issue to be resolved in an "intelligent" manner through the process of the court.

"After all, there is still avenue to appeal against the judgment through the Courts of Appeal and Federal Court.

"We do not want issue to be blown out of proportion," he said, adding that the Government viewed the matter seriously and would adopt the proper channels to end the debacle.

Earlier, Najib received a memorandum from about 30 representatives of non-governmental organisations led by Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia deputy president Amidi Abdul Manan.

Amidi, who claimed he represented some 20 NGOs, wanted the Home Ministry to file an appeal promptly to allay the anxiety of the Muslims in the country.

He also urged all parties to respect the fatwa made by National Fatwa Council that the word Allah was exclusive to the Islamic religion."

Excerpted from The Star Online

Once again, the simple-mindedness of certain groups in Malaysia throws the entire 1Malaysia concept into a meaningless, hollow phrase that fails to highlight and address to the most pressing issue of the moment: national unity.

Considering the gravity of the situation to certain groups, I believe that our leaders should respond differently to this issue by protecting the interests of all parties at all times! The way the Government responds by labeling this as an ultra-sensitive issue belittles the faith of Malaysian Muslims as so fragile.

Probably politicians need to learn a thing or two about UPHOLDING THE LAW. If politicians themselves don't set an example, who are YOU to ask the public to abide to the Law?

Kudos to Khairy Jamaluddin though, for at least acknowledging the existence of of Catholic sensitivities and called for dialogue between the National Fatwa Council and the Catholic Herald publishers to resolve the issue. (Source: The Nut Graph)

Credit also goes to Marina Mahathir for her assertions that confident Muslims should be unfazed by the buzz surrounding this issue. In her blog, she wrote about an interesting piece of news.

"And here's something interesting. In 2007, the Majlis Agama Negeri Perlis, which is a large majlis filled with people very learned in Islamic religious knowledge, discussed the question of the use of 'Allah' by non-Muslims. Their unanimous decision? They issued a fatwa to say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with non-Muslims using the word at all."

Source: Rantings by MM

The thing is this: is there some political benefit that can be gained by causing this entire uproar? What can one gain from cultivating fresh blood that exhibits a culture of ignorance and selfishness? Or has our present government lost its edge and its sight?

The diminishing light of tolerance, what more, acceptance among the different races in Malaysia is evident. However, misuse of public funds, money politics, crime, heavy inflation of everyday goods and political card plays are greatly portrayed. Truly, we are what defines 'first-class infrastructure, third-class mentality'.

We have hit our lowest following the recent arson attack on churches.

"The actions levied against several churches last night and this morning is very disconcerting, and signals, for me, a symptom of the malady which afflicts us gravely.

We can ask many questions on how this could occur and on who is to blame. We can conclude, we can surmise. Many have informed us on the substantive points of theology and history on the matter, representing concerted efforts to either validate or vilify the recent High Court decision allowing the Herald to use the word 'Allah'.

Over the next few days, there will be cries espousing the will of the silent, and peaceful, majority. But the actions of a few shall determine the lot of many; such is the economy of our passive nationalism.

And sticking out like a sore thumb will inevitably be the growing gap between members of our Malaysian society. Efforts to increase inclusiveness amongst ourselves have led to a defence of traditional exclusiveness. The more we pull, the more they push.

The result is not more so revealed today since the revelation of a struggle for unity lauded by the highest echelons of government.

That we wake to news of ruined structures of faith and worship occasioned by a struggle rooted in the ownership of concepts and ideas of human creation, is truly miserable, and unworthy in the eyes of any judge, earthly or divine.

We have fallen far."

Source: We have Fallen Far, Malaysiakini

The silver lining behind this cloud is that so many others alike me who weep for Malaysia. 1Malaysia, to sum up, is everything spoken but nothing done.

I may be a little too optimistically naive, but perhaps a much needed genuine reform will be established based on our hopes and criticism? If worse comes to worse, probably this is the only way to get things done: PM told to quit over 'Allah' controversy.

For because, this whole 'controversy' is the ultimate test for the governance of BN - in which they have failed TERRIBLY.

It is indeed a sad day for Malaysia.

Flawed Nationalism!

HIDUP MALAYSIA!!!!

Our 52nd Independence Day passed without much glamour due to fears of the rising H1N1 threats. A wise move, I applaud. :) But oh, look what we have here? What's more NEWS than celebrating 52 years as a nation is NEWS that we're BARELY a nation at all!
This is clearly justified with the controversy over the cow head protest in Shah Alam; putting our country on international news once again for all the wrong reasons.
(uh... wildlife trafficking, human trafficking, ignorance to AH1N1, whipping for drinking...?)

August 28, some 50 people marched to oppose the relocation of an old Hindu temple to Section 23 in Shah Alam. The reason? The mob protests that a temple shouldn't be built in a "Muslim majority area".

.....?

Which brings me to wonder.... since when has any place in Malaysia been restricted to building places of worship? Since when had the multiracial community segregated so far? How far does this reflect on our failure in upholding our 'model multicultural nation' we once were?

Most of all - how DID this argument even made news???!! This isn't even a good argument to begin with! It is just an unreasonable, unconstitutional, chauvinistic argument of sheer stupidity and utter disrespect that puts our 52 years of tolerance and unity at stake.

No one - and definitely no GROUP of people can stand above the law! Our Government has to seriously view this issue and take immediate stern action against the leaders of this protest. The consequence of their failure to do so will ultimately result in no-confidence in the Government's credibility, more social troubles nationwide, wider gaps among races, flawed nation development - and a possible repeat of May 13.

These racial sentiments are JUST not sustainable. For a country as diverse as ours, a breakdown in unity spells doom. Around this time of the year, we are often asked what it is to be Malaysian. We should all take this opportunity to review past experiences and do what we can to revamp Malaysia. Isn't that the essence of being Malaysian?

Anyway, all the racism outbursts, politicking and the not-so-booming economy makes me wonder if the current situation could get any worse. Hmmm... can it?

... I daren't think.

What exactly is the problem with our Malaysia? We have the knowledge to be globally competitive, we have the technology to keep us moving forward. What are we lacking? Ironically, its not something we have missing. To me, it's just something we lost over the years.

Our one biggest obstacle is overcoming ourselves. How long is it going to take us to realise that we are fighting a losing war against imaginary, fictitious enemies - OURSELVES???

How about we look around at what we've been doing around here, yup? Let's see... uh, we are pointing fingers at each other while throwing insensitive racist remarks. Okay. Some politicians win the rakyat over with their silver tongues that holds promises but do not perform. Hmmm. Scratch that - they PERFORM but as if it is staged. They show their outrage and condemn many issues... but the 'performance' stops there, no? We are also constantly pondering over allowing live concerts, managing leaking roofs, correct language, tackling health issues, relocation of temples, by-elections and the list goes on...

For the fun of it, let's just compare - other countries are booming by boosting productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. The recession isn't going to stop them. They can overcome it if they have diligence and the intelligence.

Uh, now, where were we? Oh yeah... by-elections!

.... Do we really want to show the world that at 52, we are still struggling with internal conflicts??!!

WHAT is 1MALAYSIA? All the racist remarks and issues are slowly - but definitely - jeopardising the Government's plans and dampening their credibility. The Government must realise that this is no time to talk if they really intend to bridge the gaps among races to move towards a 1Malaysia. This is no time to just be sitting around sketching plans and drawing great ideas such as the 'sekolah wawasan'. They must be implemented for the people are in dire need of some REAL performance!! Who remembers people first, performance now? Raise up your hands, get to your feet, and start working!

And for those unscrupulous people who utter selfish and stupid racist remarks? They must be punished at ONCE for causing all this public uproar - be it POLITICIANS, COMMUNITIES, GROUPS or INDIVIDUALS.

(Since we are already here, let me comment one or two words about Kampung Buah Pala. In my very humble and immature opinion, they are enjoying excessive benefits LAH. C'mon, when are they gonna stop asking for demands and realise how fortunate they already are?? Do they realise how much they are asking for? This is the taxpayers' money. Every other person in Malaysia has to work for some tens of years to earn a house that's worth half a million. This really is a durian runtuh. They should feel lucky that dear Lim Guan Eng is taking their plight so seriously! I wonder if any of them have heard about the plight of the Rifle Range residents some years ago. Have they seen how the previous state government compensate the residents? HAHAHA. Dig in some research and be thoroughly content with everything you have.)

Establishing a united nation is undoubtedly the most fundamental challenge in pushing Malaysia forward. But after coming so far, for more than half a century - I can't believe that racial integration and unity is now our major setback. It should have been our forward thrust! At this time, we should already be embracing calls for nationalism, we should already have identified one another as 'Bangsa Malaysia'...! But yet, it is sad to note that we are not even at peace with one another, what more discover our national identity. Our manifestation of a true nation is far from complete.

Have we failed in progressing to become a nation?

I think - as long as we are still CRAPPING without ACTING, still ACTING without THINKING, THINKING just for explosive BICKERING and still BICKERING to further worsen our internal conflicts - I'm afraid we have a long, long way to go.

Will our dear leaders please guide us away from going further astray? Well, of course change has to begin with you guys.

Malaysia Boleh!

RAKYAT DIDAHULUKAN.

I'm having this funny ironic feeling everytime I look at the news. Do the higher ups really uphold their promises when they say, 'people first, performance now'?

I'm definitely in full support of 1Malaysia. The word harmony ties all the different textures and gradients of a painting in one full explosive synchronisation of colours. Exactly what we need to revamp our Malaysia. United we stand, divided we fall.

But I can't help to notice the irony behind 'people first, performance now'. We, as the common citizens of Malaysia, really feel abandoned in the course of this H1N1 pandemic. How long more must we wait before more drastic actions are taken in favour of the public? How many more loved ones are going to be lost before someone realises that death rates are barely just statistics?

We are heavily hit by this health crisis and yet the Merdeka parade must go on? How many thousand lives will be put to risk just to celebrate an event on that large a scale?

Truth be told, I barely even feel the Merdeka spirit with all the 'boom boom bam' in our country. Are we still sitting around doing nothing but enjoying our 53 years of independence?

Oh my, are we 53 already?

Why do Malaysians march?

I found this extremely interesting comment in The Sun today. And so I will share.

Published under Comment in The Sun 3.08.09
by Yeo Yang Poh

WHY march, when the government has said that it will review the Internal Security Act? Why march, when there are other cosy ways of giving your views and feedback?

One would understand if these were questions posed by nine-year-olds. But they are not. They are questions posed by the prime minister of this nation we call our home. Answer we must. So, why?

Because thousands who died while in detention cannot march or speak anymore. That is why others have to do it for them.

Becasue persons in the corridors of power, persons who have amassed tremendous wealth and live in mansions, and persons who are in the position to right wrongs won't, continue to rule our nation with suffocating might. And they would certainly not march. They would prevent others from marching.

Because the have-nots, the side-lined, the oppressed, the discrimiated and the persecuted have no effective line to the powerful.

Because the nice ways have been tried ad nauseam for decades, but have fallen on deaf ears. Because none of the major recommendations of SUHAKAM (including on peaceful assembly), or of the commisions of inquiry, has been implemented. Because the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commision (IPMAC) is not in sight, while corruption and insecurity live in every neighbourhood; and (despite reasoned views expressed ever so nicely in opposition), RELA is being brought in to make matters worse.

The proponents in "Su Qiu" (remember them?) were not marchers. In fact, it is hard to find nicer ways than "su qiu" because the term means "present and request" or "inform and request". In terms of putting forward a view or request, it is thge height of politeness. Yet they were labelled as 'extremists' - they who did not march.

And now you ask, why march?

Because you gave the non-marchers a false name! You called them the "silent majority", who by virtue of their silence (you proudly argued with twisted logic) were supporters of government policies since they were not vocal in raising objections. You claimed to be protecting the interest of the "silent majority". Now some of them don't want to be silent anymore, and you are asking why?

Yes, because double standards and hypocrisy cannot be covered up or explained away forever; and incompetence cannot be indefinitely propped up by depleting resources.

Because cronyism can only take care of a few people, and the rest will eventually wake up to realise the repeated lies that things were done in certain ways purportedly " for their benefit".

Because the race card, cleverly played for such a long time, is beginning to be seen for what it really is - a despicable tool to divide the rakyat for easier political manipulation.

Because it does not take much to figure out that there is no good reason why Malaysia, a country with abundant human resources and rich natural resources, does not have a standard of living many times higher than that of Singapore, an island state with no natural resources and has to import human resources from Malaysia and elsewhere.

Because, in general, countries that do not persecute marchers are prosperous or are improving from their previous state of affairs, and those that do are declining.

Because Gandhi marched, Mandela marched, Martin Luther King marched, and Tunku Abdul Rahman marched.

Because more and more people realise that peaceful assemblies are no threat at all to the security to the nation, although they are a threat to the security of tenure of the ruling elite.

Because politicians do not mean it when they say with a straight face or a smile that they are the servants and that the people are the masters. No servant would treat his master with tear gas, batons and handcuffs.

Because if the marchers in history had been stopped in their tracks, places like India, Malaysia and many others would still be in colonies today, apartheid would still be thriving in Sounth Africa, Nelson Mandela would still be scribbling on the walls of Cell 5, and Obama would probably be a slove somewhere in Mississippi plotting to make his next midnight dash for the river.

And because liberty, freedom and dignity are not free vouchers posted out to each household. They do not come to those who just sit and wait. They have to be fought for, and gained.

And if you still want to ask: why march; I can go on and on until the last tree is felled. But I shall obviously not.

I will end with the following lines from one of the songs sung in the 1960s by civil rights marchers in the US, without who Obama would not be able to sit with the whites in a bus, let alone reside in the White House:

"It isn't nice to block the doorway
It isn't nice to go to jail
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways have all failed
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You've told us once, you've told us twice
But if that's freedom's price
We don't mind...."

... and I seriously applaud this Yeo Yang Poh for speaking up for the sake of fellow Malaysians. It's time something needs to be done.

Of Politics and Me BWAHAHAHAHA

I'm back, people!!

I know you all missed me much~

Honestly, I'm surprised. After Streamyx somewhat abandoned my line for 3 weeks, the first thing I'm actually BLOGGING about is Malaysian politics. Wow.

The not-so recent politicking in Perak, scandals, morally wrong doings and finger pointing incidents in Malaysia really did surprise me much, as I never expected our 51-year old Malaysia as to still be embroiled into something as fickle as local politics - ever since the show of democracy by its citizens almost a year ago - when practically the rest of the world is putting their heads together to end this recession. In times of a crippling global economy, the only thing our higher-ups can do... is to bicker among our brothers and sisters of the nation - over who has the right to rule over who?

I'm certainly not a political analyser, heck, I'm still as green as a pea in Sains Politik, BWAHAHAHAHA, but even I realise how our dearest nation is taking the torturously, long road into becoming a fully matured democratic nation. Look at the other side of the globe. A BLACK has taken over the Whitehouse! And nobody is complaining - because our current economic situation totally overlooks all colour and skin quabbles. A bit late for this, but: Kudos to all ye brave Americans for putting your trust into a change that you can believe in!

Everybody else in this world of ours is taking the bite of the financial crisis seriously: big companies are cutting salaries and some millions have been given the axe. But here we are, divided, segregated beyond any immediate cure - demonstrating on the streets, finger pointing at each other, pulling on the strings of others' wrongdoings, invading one's personal life, and most of all - quabbling incessantly over all this trivial politics that sees no end.

Personally, to me, so what if Perak has two MBs? So what if someone has two wives? So what if somebody is involved in some scandal? Honestly, does all of these interfere with one's capabilities to serve the people? Why can't politicians compromise with one another to tend to the woes of the public? Are we so fixated upon what is morally wrong that we forget even to respect the privacy of others? My points may seem immature and irrelevant: but at least I'm not forgetting the essentials that bring about a nation. Those very essentials that elected our 'trusted' representatives to voice out their cries.

And that boils it all down to our one major problem: Politicians, to me, seem to have forgotten that they are here to serve the rakyat! Have we not voiced out loud enough that we are tired of these endless tirades that occur because the opposition and the ruling party have different political stands? Enough is enough; we have said, yet and yet again. But it seems to fall on deaf ears.

I sure hope it doesn't fall on blind eyes.

I wish politicians would be less self-immersed, and that they choose to become politicians not because of power but because they genuinely believe in a secular democracy that prioritises the needs of those they serve. That they truly stand for the rights of the people with nothing less than a firm anchorage on freedom and justice based on our Constitution. That they do not possess the self-centered mentality that would lead this beautiful country - that I have grown to love - to ruins.

There would be no need for politicians if there's no country to govern!

I am hoping to see a change in the direction things are heading for our dearest nation in due time. Prominent leaders must take necessary measures to steer the country back towards the path of maturity and success before the people are broken even further apart. Respect for the rakyat's needs and choices must be put high above all.

This is sincerely based on my own humble opinion, erm... well, actually, integrated with those of the other 'Anak Malaysia' out there who really care for our country. Somehow, I hope that the cries of all bloggers and the rakyat, in general, will be heard... or rather, read.

The time has come for a paradigm shift that holds promises for a hollistic change - a change that will see Malaysia gearing up for, and celebrating in - success.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA