Thursday, November 6, 2008

Political Turmoil


I would recommend this book in conjunction of the historical appointment of Barack Obama as the first ever African-American President. I bought it weeks before the election and found it a joy to read. As an avid supporter, of course I am delighted with the change, but we must bear in mind that with all the problems America and the world is facing, the economic downturn, not to mention to hugely debated war in Iraq and Afghan, it would take time for the new president to exert his Midas touch, so lets give this guy some time and see what happens.

But back to our own beloved country, it wasn't surprising that the historic win brought up the issue among us that " in Malaysia, can a non-Malay be a prime minister". Just as things are starting to heat up, our prime minister step up with a statement "anyone can be the prime minister", which for me is vague and unconvincing. I got engaged in a conversation with my dad on this and due to some poor historical knowledge, am unable to be sure on whether there is a law fixed right before Merdeka that the seat is only reserved for Bumiputras. 20 years ago people would just laugh you off if you come out with a statement of a possible black president in US, but again the win prove anything is possible but in our country, I just do not see it happen, yet, at least for the next few years or even longer. And this has nothing to do with racial issues, but human nature of reluctance to change and fear of the consequences of change, might just play a big part in this.

Well I didn't say this for no reason, it has something to do with the fact that the election system of both countries are extremely different. In America, an individual represents the party, but in here, the party's fate in election will determine the presidency, or rather the prime minister-dency. In the States, each state will be allocated votes based on population density instead of state size, with a winner-take-all policy, but in our country, each party will battle it out in each districts and parlimentary seats, which means big states like Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang and Johor playing a huge part regardless of population, and this, clearly determines the outcome of our previous election. And the prime minister always come from the winning party, never fails to be Barisan, and never fails to come from UMNO, in our entire short 50 plus year history, will they change the system anytime soon? Not likely...

But lets have a virtual situation where we are adopting a system of current US election, which means states like Penang, Selangor, Perak will definitely get more say than states like Sabah based on population, the outcome might actually change due to the fact that all 3 of these states actually fell to the hand of opposition, in a winner-takes-all system. Just like how McCain lose out to Obama despite winning almost more states and painted the map red in bigger portion than blue. But is it fair? It will be up for people to judge. Another interesting fact is that each party will have to nominate a candidate to run for the top job, and lets say with Mr. N from the governing party up against Mr. A from the opposition,(which you know who I am talking about) it promises to produce an explosive affair, something that I feel our nation is not prepared to face.

One thing I felt is unfair to the non-Bumis is in fact, the questions of our loyalty towards this country. With no doubt, we are citizens born in Malaysia, with Malaysian blood in us, and it would be ridiculous of branding us as outsiders planning to steal the country away, outsiders that always prepare to turn our back against our country in favour of our native country. Just ask anyone, Indian or Chinese, and they would tell you without hesitating that they love Malaysia more than they ever did to China or India. And I wrote this without the intention of hurting the feelings of any race.

Another thing that is really hurting our country, in terms of image and resident's trust, is none other than our own parliament. Branding our parliament as a disgrace is a huge understatement, its way worse than that. Compared to the Taiwanese parliament who saw members rising and punching each other, we are not much better. Vulgar words and hateful comments flying all over make it look like a bad joke, more like a backstreet fighting ground for gangsters rather than a place which actually represents the citizens' voice. Without being bias here, it happens not only with the opposition but also shockingly with some big names in the governing party, throwing their image aside and let rage and hatred take over their soul. How would you feel staying in a country with people whose words filled with " Bab%, F^&*, Sh#$" representing you. Honestly I don't see the parliament doing its job effectively at the moment and with the Speaker of the House condoning such behaviour instead of banning rude, egoistic, self-centered bas$%%^s ( oh did i just sweared?) from the Hall, just make things worse.

This world is in a turmoil, and it has come to the stage where everyone basically just stand up and say" I want a change!!" but took no action to change it. Lets hope things will get better, which based on current situation, looks very unlikely...

No comments: