Filed under: malaysiana
In the past weekend, I had felt more Malaysian than I ever had. I can at last see the rakyat polling their voices of discontent instead of whinging to each other at the local mamak or coffeeshop. I had always been proud of my heritage, but this weekend’s events have made me truly proud of the rakyat - and being part of the rakyat that makes up the country I so desparately call home. There is hope after all, and it is a very comforting thought.
This warm and fuzzy moment is, however, marred by my innate fear of PAS ( Islamic Party) and its’ insistence of implementing islamic laws in Kelantan. PAS is now in charge of 3 states and I fear for the people of the states and what would become of the pork-loving Chinese. I fear further association of PAS with international terrorist organizations and radical agama schools. I fear the removal of unisex queues, the banning of all forms of entertainment as was implemented in Kelantan.I fear the closing down of Chinese/Tamil schools and the compulsory covering up of head to feet of women – fine if this was Siberia, but being so close to the Equator, this equates to smelly clothes and skin diseases.
The joint opposition of PKR-PAS-DAP at the moment seems slightly shaky with no united direction, and I fear for them as well. However, by ‘gaining balls’ in this election (incidentally Malaysia’s 50th birthday), I have no doubt that the rakyat will give the opposition coalition a chance to prove themselves – and kick them out if they do not perform.
One can only hope:
No more keris brandishing
No more proclaiming the country as an Islamic state in the lines of Middle East countries
End of sexist remarks by BN stalwarts
A proactive attitute towards the needs of the rakyat rather than blame-shifting
Acknowledge that bloggers are here to stay and no more suing them for sedition
A honest and open media, reporting everything without fear rather than asskissing BN
No more wasting taxpayers’ money with unnesacary
With most of the bigwigs in Malaysian politics voted out, hopefully the demise of cronyism
One can hope for the demise of NEP – but I don’t think that would happen in this lifetime.
Good luck PKR-DAP-PAS. Now’s your turn.Please do not dissapoint.
You might also be interested in these
I couldn’t imagine no sleeve shirt and wear tudung next year when I’m back to Kedah for CNY.
Comment by Mandy 03.10.08 @ 11:19 amCurious to what your opinion is on this:
Can a modern democracy really co-exist with Islam?
Me, I doubt it and if people want to remove pork, beer, women in line etc-what does that bode for Malaysia really becoming a functioning member of Asia-moreso than it is now I mean. Seems to me religion has to become less important so as to allow people to benefit economically and socially.
And how does Malaysia deal with its richer island neighbor down south?
Comment by Skippy-san 03.10.08 @ 11:50 amMandy: I have fears as well – such as having to go to a brightly lit cinema, schoolchildren having to go to school on a Sunday and having the Friday off, dating made illegal and islamic class for all.
Skippy: Food for thought. I am considering your question;I think the answer requires a whole new post.brb
Comment by sourrain 03.10.08 @ 12:45 pmI share the same sentiment abt PAS-governed states. I hope Kedah or Perak won’t be another Kelantan or I’m sure come next election, the people will speak through their votes again…
Right now, I feel very Malaysian… and Penangite too!!!
FYI, PAS were the one that released the permit to build chinese schools and temples in Kelantan and Terengganu that had been held by BN for God knows how long. PAS were the one that allowed Chinese developers to develop their reserved lands rather than waiting for bumis to decide how much they wanna korek from the project. The PAS-led government does not have a two-thirds majority in Kedah, so they cannot make whimsical changes. And many of my Chinese friends voted for PAS. People don’t care anymore, as long as you’re opposition, I’ll vote you. The opposition might be new in governing, but at least they do have a united direction, that is to work for the people. They do realize that people are the ones that are giving them a chance to change for better, if they don’t perform, they can be easily voted out next term. At the same time, BN will work even harder to make sure they win back their support next time around. One way or another, it’s still gonna benefit they people of the country IMO.
Comment by Penang Kia 03.11.08 @ 4:35 ampenangkia: Thats my concern – that people are just randomly voting opposition without considering what it really means. I know they are pissed off, but do they really want to have separate queues at Tescos?The grass is not always greener on the other side.
And there is a bare skeleton of unity – but the oppostions’ manifestos remain different.
HOWEVER,PAS had probably realized the need to be moderate rather than radical like they had been all along, so with some luck, they will deliver what they promise
Comment by sourrain 03.11.08 @ 9:06 am