Could somehow feel the gush of responsibility as a citizen of Malaysia in the coming Elections, at the same time filled with guilt as I have failed to register as a voter before the election campaign began.
Anyhow, the elections this time round seems exciting, as not too long ago the ruling coalition seems to be unable to answer to a number of controversies that have seriously marred their own public image and perhaps, credibility.
What about the oppositions? They are always jeered at because of their inability to form effective coalitions due to the differences in their ideologies. But the people do not seem to realize that they were not even given a chance to be part of the ruling coalition. Who knows whether they will work?
Whoever that is going to win the polls on 8 March 2008, these are the urgent matters of the country which I think should be solved before the country plunges into an even more prominent mushroom growing era:
1. Corruption
Just like Multiple Sclerosis, This is a serious degenerative disease of all governments. The downfall or decline of most, if not all, of the ancient Chinese dynasties began with rampant corruption starting among the highest ranking officials of the ruling court. There is no need to mention that it is a breach of dishonesty, and a form of betrayal of the politicians towards the people he is serving. The fight against corruption would not be easy, and would also take some time, depending on how severe the problem is to the country. More examples? There are much more lessons that can be learnt from the world history than I can mention here.
2. More Transparency
As a democracy, the government is chosen by the people. They are entrusted with the task to uphold the law and Constitution, and serve the people with sincerity. They therefore are responsible for all the decisions made. Being citizens, we definitely have the right to know what goes on everyday in the Parliament, or to know why the government makes certain moves. These moves are, of course, to be fully substantiated with supporting evidences.
3. Equality to All Citizens in All Areas
This is an issue that has not been addressed at all for hmm perhaps 35 years? If you have read about the Constitution of Malaysia, which article is that just wikipedia and you will know. 51 years after the Independence, 45 years after the Formation, over at least three generations and we are still regarded as "immigrants", unlike some other people who migrated to Malaysia only in the recent years and are treated as "indigenous people" once they obtained the Malaysian Blue Identity Card, while the rest just seem to have to wait forever to obtain their citizenship.
Perhaps, the current ruling faction needs to learn a valuable lesson before the country plunges further into anarchism. The requirement for a balance of power exists certainly for a reason.
Complacency breeds ignorance. Corruption signifies the beginning of a decline. Which direction do we go? Closer towards Vision 2020 and Olympics 2020, or back to the Independence Era?
Let us await how the nation decides on 08 March 2008. Labels: Politics |