OVER the last week, I – like countless Malaysians – watched with a range of emotions as our democracy cracked and unravelled through the shenanigans of traitorous politicians.
In 2018, Malaysians exercised their right to vote; to affect change and bring in a new era for our beloved nation.
I knew – and I’m sure my fellow citizens did too – that a group of “new” politicians would have their challenges to overcome (which they have had) but we trusted them to see the term through and introduce policies and change that will see Malaysia reach a new height at the world stage which, credit to them, some of them have but that’s for another time.
This was our democratic right.
Yet yesterday, everything came undone. In one move, like a snake shedding its skin, someone we trusted claimed they had the confidence of the majority of parliament members, which largely came from those across the corridor; those we had voted against, those who didn’t have our confidence. With that, our respected king decreed that Muhyiddin Yassin would be the next prime minister.
My anger and sorrow are not over the decision that was made. His Majesty had exhausted all avenues to reach that point but that the means to such an end were devious and contrary to the mandate of the people. Through our votes, we showed our politicians that we reject the cronyism, the race baiting, the abuse of power and any practice that scuppers Malaysia of her full potential.
To that band of politicians who kicked this miserable exercise of power play into high gear: have you forgotten the many people who lined up in corridors for hours just to make their voice heard? Have you forgotten the words you uttered in the period leading up to the 2018 elections? How can you claim to be championing our country when you dabble in race politics? Our last general election was unique because it united the country like never before in this millennium.
I believe that through the last two election cycles, we have been able to foster greater unity in the country. I believe that more people identify with their national identity as compared to the race-based identity that has been propagated during the entire course of the Barisan Nasional era.
I certainly saw that last night when the next generation, our youth, came together to share their thoughts about this coup against the people’s mandate. It made me hopeful that our children, our kids, will keep the flame for a unified Malaysia alive and they will stay the course no matter what bumps in the road lie in store.
To my peers, my seniors, each of our votes does matter. If what happened this week got under your skin, never let the politicians forget who they actually represent. Continue to be a force of change through the ballot box.
Power to the rakyat.
*Shoba Pillai reads The Malaysian Insight.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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Comments
Posted 6 years ago by Roy Charan · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
The legislative, judiciary and the monarchy handled the crisis as best as they did in deciding the Executive. It was unprecedented in our politics reflecting healthy evolvement of our parliamentary system. We must respect the monarchy s decision. We strengthen the system by doing so and allows us to fight back thro the same system peacefully and with dignity. Next battleground is in parliament with a no confidence motion, failing which is to go back to the people thro snap.polls. Not thro street politics. Street protests can lead to further deterioration of people power especially when laws can be used to stifle them. Have faith in how the parliamentary system works. It can be slow, so one must allow it to take its course patiently.
Posted 6 years ago by G.Selva Ganeson · Reply
In the end his devious manipulations blew up in his own face!
We rakyat suffered for trusting him. Why should he cared? He will meet his maker soon.
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by G.Selva Ganeson · Reply
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
(explanation for another day)
Posted 6 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply