By now, most Malaysians are aware of the results of the 2008 Malaysian General Elections. In dealing the biggest blow ever to the ruling party, the people of Malaysia have denied the Barisan Nasional 2/3 majority in Parliament and given the opposition control over 5 out of 14 states in the country.What does it mean for the man on the street?
In my view, nothing. Once the shock has passed and the euphoria (or despair) has settled, life goes on for the people and the state and national administration goes on. The man (or woman) on the street goes on striving to earn a decent living, hoping the economy and political stability of the country will not be sacrificed just because the government are sore losers.
The Opposition openly asked for a chance to prove themselves. The people, tired of everything that’s been happening in the country, gave them the chance they wanted. Now, prove yourselves. Show you too can do a good job. If the people are happy, they will return you to government. Screw up, and you are out of there faster than a speeding bullet. I think the Opposition has even more to prove than the ruling party does because the eyes of the people are on them, watching and waiting for them to screw up.
As for the ruling party, it is time to take stock and to pull up your socks. The voters aren’t stupid or ignorant anymore. Information now moves so quickly through mobile phones, SMS and the internet that people no longer rely on the tv and newspapers for information. Having a media blackout and relaying propaganda through mainstream newspapers is no longer as effective as it used to be. Poster wars should stop - they injure the environment and are a visual pollution.
In discussions with people, we likened the Ruling party to house cats - pampered and spoilt; balking at hard work. The Opposition party were like alleycats - wild, feral and cunning. In fact, think Disney’s Aristocats. Teehee…
As it stands now, the alleycats have turned the fat house cats out of the cozy house they live in and they now have to learn to forage for a living. Pretty apt description don’t you think?
Politicians simply have to go back down to the basics of why they wanted to be elected - to serve the people and to better the lives of the people; not to make millions and billions and build palaces. In my personal view, the people voted this time, not with their hearts but with their heads. They wanted to send a message that complacency and arrogance will not be tolerated. They might not believe in everything the Opposition has to offer, yet they are worth a shot because nothing can be worse than the state of things just before the elections were held.
The people of Malaysia wanted a change; and they voted for a change. Now, lets see if the winds of change will blow as a calm balmy fragrant breeze over the next 4 years, soothing and smooth; or rage and roil like a tropical typhoon during a storm wreaking havoc over the populace.
We’ll have to see.
The wind of change blows straight
Into the face of time
Like a stormwind that will ring
The freedom bell for peace of mind
- The Scorpions
Some other Related posts:
- Too much to say…
- Let the Games begin!
- The irony that’s Malaysia
- Dissolve Parliament already-lah!
- On the campaign trail
8 comments ↓
Your view rings true. Within a week, life goes on as normal for us and elections fever dies a natural death. Now to see if the Opposition can deliver what they promised, or will it all be in vain?
Yeah, I hope that the ‘change’ that people voted for, will be change in the right ‘direction’…
I want to see corrupt politicians / councillors and their cronies in past state govt of Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor being brought to book! Get this done, and the Opp parties will win hands down in the next GE - and probably win other states as well.
it’s a nice start, just hope the momentum can be maintained. it’s time for opp to buckle up, improve and make things happen instead of continuously harping on how bad the current government is. follow through with some actions.
This is like deja vu…I said it right before the results were known: “nothing can be worse than the state of things just before the elections were held.”
I’m waiting to see what the Opposition can do now.
Rinnah: Personally I’m not 100% sure this is a good thing but hey, everyone deserves ONE chance.
LB: You said it!
Pablo: I echo your sentiments. I somehow doubt anything drastic will happen though.
Kimberlycun: Sentiments were running high this time. Hopefully the right choice was made.
GT: hehe.. Yep. Nothing can be much worse. I just realised that both you and I are in Opposition held areas! Or should I say the government?
I too hope the right choice has been made. The Opposition has been given this chance and I hope they realise they’ve only got this one time to get it right.
Btw.. I know politicians sometimes call each other orang utan and monyet and such.. but you sure it’s ok to call them Aristrocats?
Sure this animal pass in Parliament?
Cheesey: Yep once is all they get indeed! And I’m sure Aristocats can wan… too big a word for them to understand