Perak Peril is no Thrill

I write this post with full disappointment after knowing about the collapse of the Pakatan Rakyat-led Perak Government today. Indeed, I am in full support of an anti-hopping provision in the Federal Constitution to avoid such betrayal of the people’s democratic right in future.

I now know how important it is to have such provision, and how disgusting some of our politicians can be today. But again, with my limited knowledge of what is going on, I might be biased.

I believe the Sultan of Perak has his reasons not to dissolve the state assembly. But indeed, maafkan patik Tuanku, with fullest respect to Tuanku, I am puzzled with Tuanku’s decision.

There is nothing much to say for now, but a poem.

The people’s power WAS in the ballot box,

because they VOTED out of the box;

Four people betrayed the box;

there is no more………

P/S: The author realises his limitation as a citizen, and is not sure whether his vote makes a difference after all. He is terribly disappointed.

Malaysia is a nice place… really

This is my first post on politics. I have no intention of stirring up emotions or shooting anyone, just writing to remind all fellow Malaysians about one fact: Malaysia is a nice place… really.

Happy Malaysia Day

These few days have been really trying for me and all fellow Malaysians. Just a recap of what happened the last few days in Malaysia:

1) Today: The PM and Deputy PM have swapped portfolios. The PM is now the PM cum Defence Minister, and the Deputy PM is now the Finance Minister. This swap is symbolic, I believe, because it might pave the way for a power transition from Datuk Seri Abdullah AB to Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

2) Today: SAPP is officially out from BN (National Front), who have governed Malaysia for the last 50 years. It is interesting to note that SAPP prefers to remain an independent party while “waiting to be back in the government.”

3) Teresa Kok, Seputeh MP; Raja Petra, Malaysia Today editor; and Tan Hoon Cheng, Sin Chew Daily reporter were arrested under Internal Security Act (ISA), deemed draconian by many opposing parties. *Apparently, Draco was a Roman/Athenian dude who introduced cruel laws during his term in public office, hence the term draconian laws.

4) Datuk Ahmad Ismail, Penang UMNO chief, was slapped with a 3-year suspension from UMNO due to his Chinese-are-squatters remark.

5) Sept 16 remained Malaysia Day. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aim of taking over the Federal Government by Sept 16 did not materialise.

6) Malaysia’s KLCI index is hitting the 1000 mark, which is, in my opinion, a very bad sign of investors’ confidence in Malaysian market.

I grew up in Malaysia for the past 19 years and I just have to say this, I love my country very much despite of all the political uncertainty, character assassination, and internal bickering. I love our culture and our rich heritage. I love ketupat, muruku, and moon cake.

As part of the younger generation, we look forward to the day where people can live together under one roof without fear of racial riot due to some silly statements by some bigot.

We hope for a nation where we can call home without being labeled squatters or second-class citizens.

We hope for a nation where we can contribute our talent and skill to develop our resources for the advancement of our country.

We hope for more ministers who are willing to stand up for their conscience and principles.

We hope for a better Malaysia, a Malaysia that we can call home without doubt.

50 years have passed, have we outgrown racism in Malaysia? I don’t know.

50 years have passed, have we outgrown economic and social discrimination? I don’t know.

50 years have passed, have we outgrown high-place corruption? I don’t know.

50 years have passed, have we outgrown a Third-World mentality? I don’t know.

50 years have passed, is Malaysia still a nice place to live in? Yes, with fullest conviction and pride.