(picture by popular Malaysian cartoonist, Lat)
The recent elections and its aftermath has affected our lives so much that it is hard not to write about it. The information shared on the social media, videos, pictures and stories are powerful. Though the election results have not resulted in a change in the governance of this country, it has left a deep and significant impact on many. It is believed that human beings have a sense of fairness, a characteristic that research increasingly shows is an innate part of human morality. In these elections, people feel their rights have been violated, thus the outpouring of emotion.
Someone shared that "There is no need for revenge, sit back and wait, karma or God will be just." Indeed, life works itself out. It is part of a political game.There is no need to get personal. Why not use our energy positively rather than plot vengeance? We just care for this country and want it to be what it can be, harmonious and fair with minimal corruption
We have to recognise politics for what it is. Politics are the strategies employed to accomplish certain goals. It is the venue by which laws are created that effect so many lives. Being politically aware will protect us from being mindless sheep herded by their masters. We can learn to question, and see through the personal agendas of politicians.
The race card is just another old political ploy, rehashed time and again. Because race and religion are such deeply personal issues, human beings get emotional and as a result, fail to see beyond their emotions. Deep resentment and even wars have been started because of this. But have we asked ourselves this question before we react? What is the political agenda here? What does it serve them?
Does a father who truly loves his children strive to breed harmony or does he divide them for his sake? Like a growing child, we have to find our own identity as a people and not what has been told to us. Who are we? Are we Malays, Chinese, Indians or are we Malaysians? Are we willing to walk the talk?
As a country, there are parts which are ready and hankering for change in the urban areas. There are also other parts in the rural areas which are lagging behind. Are the events in the past week part and parcel of the teething pains on the road to a more matured nation? Is it the political awakening of this country? Who will do the hard work of reaching out to the parts which are lagging behind? Will we eventually all come together as a whole to change for the better? I certainly hope we find the answers.
We have to recognise politics for what it is. Politics are the strategies employed to accomplish certain goals. It is the venue by which laws are created that effect so many lives. Being politically aware will protect us from being mindless sheep herded by their masters. We can learn to question, and see through the personal agendas of politicians.
The race card is just another old political ploy, rehashed time and again. Because race and religion are such deeply personal issues, human beings get emotional and as a result, fail to see beyond their emotions. Deep resentment and even wars have been started because of this. But have we asked ourselves this question before we react? What is the political agenda here? What does it serve them?
Does a father who truly loves his children strive to breed harmony or does he divide them for his sake? Like a growing child, we have to find our own identity as a people and not what has been told to us. Who are we? Are we Malays, Chinese, Indians or are we Malaysians? Are we willing to walk the talk?
As a country, there are parts which are ready and hankering for change in the urban areas. There are also other parts in the rural areas which are lagging behind. Are the events in the past week part and parcel of the teething pains on the road to a more matured nation? Is it the political awakening of this country? Who will do the hard work of reaching out to the parts which are lagging behind? Will we eventually all come together as a whole to change for the better? I certainly hope we find the answers.
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