Malaysia is bracing general election soon...and it might be a turning point for Malaysia's democratic process due to expanding Opposition's presence...This means Malaysia is moving towards a more mature democracy if indeed a change of government is to take place...
Change is uncertain...but, with democratic process and competition between Government and Opposition...check and balance are in place and communities interest is put first...Nevertheless, there is also a flaw to this...a weak government will impede communities interest and slow down decision makings...as happening the US currently...
This is just some points to note about the outcome of any election...its uncertain and arguable to say a change in government will lead a country to a better future...but indeed a better democracy in theory...
But, the most heinous of any behaviours under the banner of freedom of speech...is zero-tolerance and polarization of thoughts and ideologies and conspiracy theories...The trend in Malaysia now is that too many are partisan in nature...no one wants to listen to what the other side have to say since they made up their mind who they want to vote for or vote out in the next election...
Another atrocious crime by so called analysts...selective reporting...if indeed one is concerned with nation's interest...they do not spread messages or theories just because it is in the interest of their favoured party...They tell both sides of the story and see the other possibilities of explaining the truth...
Just to pick a few issues...currently...the Government is giving out handouts to the citizens, BR1M...which to many or some...seemed like a Government's way of bribing or buying votes or an insincere way of helping its citizens....
First of all...there is a possibility that this might be the case...But very few...think that it might not be so....Like...so what if it is for the election?...Everything and I mean everything the Government or the Opposition does is to convince the people to vote for them....If the Government build schools or hospitals in the rural areas...is it called bribing also? But, of course, handing out cash in the open is not a good impression of trying to develop a society compared to building schools or hospitals...
The government handouts seemed like a very short term measure in the effort of helping the people...Some blamed the government for not handling the problem of inflation and rising prices of good and services properly...Hence, many are left in hardship...thus, Opposition demands a more "blanket" approach such as subsidies and free education...
The handouts are selective in nature...means only those deemed fit to receive such benefits will get it...not everyone...Most common mistake for people is to think government is throwing out money for everyone where in fact not everyone will get it...Only those people who didnt get the handouts think so...But, it might be problematic and ostentatious if the government sets a very low band to receive the handouts in which even some well off middle class are eligible...
Next is the most perturbing of all the issues...is Sabah's sovereignty....it is claimed by the Sultan of Sulu that Sabah belonged to him...Im not sure whether its all or a portion of it...but basically you get the idea...Our sovereignty is challenged...
Some people tend to view this as another opportunity for political mileage...some say its Opposition's doing and some say its the Government....but I feel that even thats the case...the world is viewing and watching this issue with seriously as it involves a lot of unresolved principles...
I just explain what I know...you can think that Sabah or a part of it really did belong to Sultan of Sulu...but as history takes place...a lot of parties have occupied Sabah...nevertheless, according to all the agreements and leases and such...Sabah still is the Sultan of Sulu's....
But of course, in reality...in our world today...a lot of things have changed...a lot of conflicts and violations have take place which make us who we are today...So, now, in a world with democracy...let the people decide their government and fate...
Eventhough as a Malaysian, I feel saddened by this, eventhough according to laws of the world...lawfully Sabah is probably owned by either Philippines or Sultan of Sulu...we can still challenge this...
The people have decided to join Malaysia back in those days...and back in the old days...borders and nation states were not yet in place...the people who admits a person as their ruler will determine the borders and sovereignty of the ruler i.e influence...but its obvious that the Sultan of Sulu did not have any significant influence now and since the absence of Sultan of Sulu from Sabah...it is a free state which itself decided to call itself a member of federation of Malaysia...
I might be wrong...so, I am always open to change and tolerate opposite views...And I hope more people in Malaysia will change the way they view politics...
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