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I fear that such glory has been overshadowed by a tainting perception that Harmony is history. The 55 years of evolution has been destroyed by the sentiments uncovered in the recent General Election. We are back to square one like what it was before 1957
ALAYSIA has evolved for 55 years since its independence, Merdeka, in 1957. The evolution sought to address many aspects of nation development ranging from sovereignty, economics and socio-cultural elements. Such endeavours proved to be successful when Malaysia transformed itself from an agricultural country to a neo-industrial country simultaneously putting its name on the World map. Its international political opinions were respectful on par with other independent nations that cover a wide range of issues such as Anti-communism, Apartied and of course, the Palestinian struggle. Its calibre is demonstrated in aesthetics such as the Petronas Twin Towers as well as knowledge-based expertise like Islamic Finance. Most importantly, the ability to assimilate its multicultural society has been taken as a benchmark by many. However, I fear that such glory has been overshadowed by a tainting perception that Harmony is history. The 55 years of evolution has been destroyed by the sentiments uncovered in the recent General Election. We are back to square one like what it was before 1957. Have we forgotten history? Perhaps we should all now re-read Interlok.
At late night of 5 May 2013 (or rather early morning of 6 May 2013), Malaysia was hit by a tsunami, a political tsunami, a repeat of what had happened in 2008 and a shock that came not by surprise actually. This tsunami breaks old taboo almost reminding ourselves (Malaysians) that there are many possibilities for our country. We must not forget that the Americans experience numerous Government switching between Democrats and Republicans (A struggle between a small Government and a big Government) and so did the British relaying between the Tory Government and the Labour Government. What is the difference actually? (as compared to Malaysia). Are we becoming like those countries where political instability becomes a real threat given the slim margin in the victory of the ruling parties? (Referring to the simple majority instead of two thirds). Are we ready to go for a political roller coaster? Are we ready to call ourselves Malaysian instead of Malay or Chinese or Indian or Iban or Kadazan or Punjabi? If we are ready, then perhaps we should all abolish ethnic-based political parties as well as ethnic-based practices such as SRJK schools? I know the Malays have given up the 30% quota in equity ownership of the capital markets (as declared by the PM in 2009). The truth is, we can never abolish ethnic-based political parties. The truth is, we have not assimilated well amongst ourselves. The truth is, we will never assimilate anyway. Therefore, we will continue to live together with ethnic-based political parties forming the foundation of the political landscape. With such conclusion, suffice to say that we shouldn't even compare ourselves to the Americans or the British political landscape. Just to poke everyone, do you see any Black or Hispanic based political parties in the US?
It is unfair to say that an urban tsunami is related to any particular race but what else can you deduce when the placements of the population (referring to votes from the cities) has been historically linked to wealth; and wealth has been historically linked to certain ethnic group?
The headcount voted for the opposition accounted for 5.4 million votes surpassing the votes for the ruling Government of 5.2 million. But yet, the ruling Government achieved majority Parliamentary representation seats of 133 versus opposing seats of 89. You do not need to hire a professor to figure out that the opposition votes were mostly from high density populated areas surrounding cities and towns. The supporters of the ruling Government were dispersed over many seats giving a lower average headcount per Parliamentary seat. If that is the case, certain assumptions can be made quite fairly. Given the demography fit of the distribution of voters, we have indeed experienced an urban tsunami. It is unfair to say that an urban tsunami is related to any particular race but what else can you deduce when the placements of the population has been historically linked to wealth; and wealth has been historically linked to certain ethnic group? Could this (results of the General Election) also mean that there was a Chinese tsunami? One can always argue that the tsunami also contains Malay votes that swung toward a perceived more-Islamic party or a perceived more-Adil (fair) party. You can fit in the jig-saw puzzle pieces whichever way you want but as soon as you find a fit, it would probably say that the Malays were split instead of riding a tsunami.
Logically, the Chinese reaction is natural. When there are indications that significant Malay votes will swing towards the opposition, their bets will go towards where they feel their future will be brighter with encouraging propensity to benefit. They are merely looking after their welfare - Just like how a fish-and-chip hawker, Pauline Hanson of Australia, had reacted when she felt that Asians were invading Australia. Protection is required - not only for contemporary generations, but also future generations (of Chinese). A fair reason to fuel a calculated decision making. However, when you put down a straight flush, that smile on your face disappears as the opponent throws a royal flush. To sum it all, I believe, after much deliberation, that the catalyst for Chinese tsunami is actually the Malay split. The Malay split is then a separate matter for discussion. Some say they are fed up with the corruption and some say that they are inclined to follow what they feel to be of better Islamic value. Whatever the case may be, the Malays are not as dedicated as the Chinese in influencing their future. Close to 60% of Chinese went for voting with the Malays only registering a pathetic 30% - quite the opposite to the population ratio of 30:60 for Chinese and Malays respectively.
The almost half decade 30% Bumi Quota was abolished to allow fair opportunity for market equity across the multiracial society - a brave and bold action which ought to have captured the hearts of the non-Bumis.
The Government under Y.A.B. Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak's administration embarked on extensive programmes to transform the economy as well as the Government. Under the Pemandu (driver), Dato' Sri Idris Jala, Economic Transformation Programme and Government Transformation Programme were implemented at various levels and angles resulting in a strong economic foundation despite the ill progress of the World economy. The almost half decade 30% Bumi Quota was abolished to allow fair opportunity for market equity across the multiracial society - a brave and bold action which ought to have captured the hearts of the non-Bumis. The poor are given monetary incentives in the form of BR1M and PR1MA to boost the aggregate demand component of the economy as purchasing power fuels consumption expenditure. There were many more efforts being done by the Government but to their surprise, no impact worthy of any celebration. Instead, the more procedural matters surfaced - Bersih (electoral reform protest), Indelible Ink and Phantom Voters. I really don't know what to say to this. In my mind, the Government can't be that foolish to be dishonest when the limelight was actually directed to these matters since the 2008 General Election. It is as if this whole thing is a Wayang Kulit (theatre) of character assassinations between politicians instead of actually caring for the citizens' needs.
As I mentioned earlier, the results of the 13th General Election did not come by surprise, but, shocking nonetheless. The cyber space of facebook, twitter and blogs all of a sudden becomes active beyond control with accusations and bad words being shot left, right and centre. If 10 years ago youngsters of the age not matured for political involvement couldn't give a damn about politics, now they are being fed with political information almost on daily basis. In Kelantan, I saw with my own eyes that there were kids of probably the age of 6 to 8 years old following their Dads roaming around the town with green flags. When asked, they willingly answered that these kids were trained to reject blue flags even at kindergartens. They wear tshirts that say Kekal (maintain the opposition controlled state) with their counterparts wearing Tukar (Change the State Government) shouting Gelombang Merah (Red Wave denoting action of the red mark of UMNO). Wow! such is the age we are living in - an evolution that gives very little space to conventional partisan newspapers and TV stations. Everything is either cyber or demonstrational. I even get sms'es from both ruling party as well as opposition on daily basis. That did not happen even once during the 2008 General Election.
The sad thing is, we may be so stupid that all it takes is just a 4-step move to checkmate us - Destroy Peace, Destroy Stability, Destroy Progress and finally Destroy the Only Country We Have Even Known To Be Our Home. I hope not.
All these observations actually raise a question in my mind. Does the concept Wakil Rakyat (Citizen Representation) still work? You can see Malays voting for DAP Chinese and Chinese voting for PAS Malays. It is a statement. It is as if a declaration is being made that says, "We don't care who the Member of Parliament is as long as the ruling Government is pulled down". This behaviour is dangerous. It crushes stability and makes the country vulnerable. Have we not learnt from others who suffer? This is exactly what they (Foreign Super Powers) want. They tried to grab hold of our economy in 1997/1998 by tempting us with national loans to repair the non-performing loans infested financial system. We were lucky that our masterminds thought of Danaharta to look after ourselves and not sell our country to foreigners (like some of our neighbours). When economic measures fail, they attack political stability (Suggested reading: Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins) - what better scenario best fit such attack if not a highly-sensitive multiracial country like ours? Are we that naive that we are being made pawns in our own game? The sad thing is, we may be so stupid that all it takes is just a 4-step move to checkmate us - Destroy Peace, Destroy Stability, Destroy Progress and finally Destroy the Only Country We Have Even Known To Be Our Home. I hope not - open your eyes to see who is the Wayang Kulit (puppet) that is connected to these Super Powers.
* kopihangtuah
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