Malaysia today.

It’s a disappointment to know that at this stage of development and progress our country has, some of the citizens still possess a third-class mentality. It’s a shame that while we have skyscrapers and foreign countries actually cover us on their news, all people are hearing about us is how ridiculous of a state the country is in.

I know many people are sick of the whole Bersih debate already and I’m not going to debate. I’m going to express my views as a Malaysian because I love my country and contrary to popular beliefs, just because we are not in favour of the government – it does not mean we are anti-Government. That’s totally absurd and that’s how unnecessary quarrels or fights occur, due to such assumptions.

What’s with these people organising “butt exercises” at Ambiga’s front gate? Not only her religious beliefs probably restrict her from consuming beef, I heard she’s a vegetarian too. Yet there were such inconsiderate individuals who decided to give free beef burgers right in front of her home? She was kind enough to offer isotonic drinks to those who wanted to do some “stretching” at her home, but was turned down with a statement which went something like this “we only drink warm water because our religion says so”. Seriously? How immature and foolish can some people be? Don’t they feel embarrassed that they did something so unacceptably stupid?

And while she lodged a report for the offensive burger stunt, I believe no action has been taken. If it were the other way round, I’m pretty darn sure the culprits will be under the “protection” of ISA. And is this how the government wants to portray its system to the nation and its people, as well as to the public eye globally? Obvious double standards and special treatment according to races?

I have heard people saying things like we are ungrateful because the government has done so much for us and we wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for them. Which I agree, partially. I’d like to ask just one question, does that mean you’re implying that the government is the only party that has brought us here today? The people did not work for it, did not contribute to the economy? And we have not been paying taxes? Where we are right now – is a result of each and every individual we call a Malaysian.

The country does not belong to the government, neither does it belong to the King. It belongs to the rakyat. Anyone would like to state otherwise? I don’t think so. Who doesn’t want the best for the country they live in, the country their children and further generations are going to live in? I’m not saying the Government has been awful and terrible all the way, but there are many things that are not right and when things are wrong, they have to be set right.

What we call for is for fair and clean elections, with so many transparent proof and evidence how can some people still believe that there is nothing fishy going on? And I’m not saying that if the Opposition gets the most seats in the next elections, they will do it all right. Because I believe that humans have a horrible nature and that is they always put themselves first. But that does not mean we have to put up with it. We are just trying to make things better, because we deserve so.

If you think we should just close one eye because the Government is doing their job in certain ways, let me give you an example. If a father loves and cares for her daughter deeply, he buys her anything she wants and needs, and there is nothing he would say no to when it comes to her best interests, but behind closed doors he abuses her sexually, does that mean we should overlook that because at the end of the day, he carries out his duties as a parent, except that one little flaw? I don’t think so.

And it’s so silly for people to put all the blame on the lady who came up with Bersih. Because what does she get when the nation is in chaos and the Government steps down? Does she get to rule? No. Does she get money or any sort of benefit out of it? No. She’s the only one with a neutral perspective, and that is clean and fair elections for all. I can’t say the same for other opposing parties because each of them is with a certain hidden agenda.

55 years into independence but  I still think we are still way behind time. We are still facing the same racial issues just like how we did at its core in 1969. We are still under the same kind of system where there is no improvement whatsoever because when people get too comfortable, they refuse to change.

So when you say what we want is unnecessary and we are just creating troubles because we want to “tumpaskan kerajaan“, you’re either ignorant or you have no idea whatsoever what’s going on in this country you call home. If a change is not made now, then when? When we go into 100 years of independence?

Because we are all in this together, we shouldn’t be on different sides, our objective should be one and identical: what’s best for us and our future.

July 9th, Part II.

It’s sad to know that there are people from my generation who seem to think that this whole Bersih 2.0 thing is nothing more than some unnecessary burden to the public. I can’t believe some choose to be so ignorant. Have you learned nothing from the news and current affairs that have been clouding our nation?

Roadblocks and congestion are due to the rally, yes, these were all expected way ahead before they even happened. The police force and whoever of the same intentions, are obviously taking this opportunity to make it seem like people in support of the Bersih 2.0 are to be blamed for all the inconvenience caused. If you are one of those who agree then, why, you must be pretty stupid.

If you think that it’s as simple as that, then I believe you need a knock on your head. Maybe twice, to make sure you get the message. The condition we have here in Malaysia? It’s in a dire state. Most officials are corrupted, we have politicians with their own, very different and selfish agendas – sometimes you’d think they have forgotten that they are supposed to be working for the people. Their job; is to make sure the country is a place where the rakyat are happy.

So maybe Bersih 2.0 has its own agendas too. Maybe they are not what they claim to be. But the objectives and requests are for EVERY citizen. Citizens who think that everyone deserves the right to decide what they want best for their country and themselves. It calls for fair elections, it calls for transparency in governing the country, it calls for corruption to be stopped.

Instead, the people who were supposed to act for the best interests of the citizens – they are the ones who over and over again prove, they don’t really care what the hell we want. They just want to ensure they remain in power because that’s all that matters.

When the King decided to meet the chairperson of Bersih, some ministers expressed disappointment while others think it shouldn’t have been that way because the King should act after he has consulted the Prime Minister. So you see, now they are questioning our King too? Maybe the King is in favour of fairness to all. And where is our Prime Minister? Somewhere else while the country undergoes a major, critical event. And, he should have done what he said he would, which is to provide a stadium.

If you have read the news, Bersih organisers did everything they could to make things as simple as possible. They said they would call the street march off if the King says so. They agreed to the suggestion that they hold it in a stadium instead. And while those people in charge claimed they are also looking into it, what they really did is not give a rat’s ass.

So tell me again, if there is nothing to be afraid of, why are these so-called good people, so afraid of these people who are speaking on behalf of many, awaken Malaysians? Why are they so worried that this event would come to life that they try to make everything impossible for those in support of it? Is it because there are things that cannot be revealed to all?

If there’s no fishy business then why are they losing so much of sweat over it? One thing that is absolutely obvious is that the people are not stupid. More and more are coming to realise what sort of situation we have here and if you choose to be ignorant, if you choose to forego your right to ensure that your interests are well taken care of as a citizen, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Political parties and politicians may have their personal agendas, that’s without doubt. But the people’s voices don’t. We want what’s best for ourselves, our future, our future’s future.

So if you still think it’s all about being silly, causing all these trouble for nothing, and nothing good will ever come out of it – I suggest you take a good look at where we are right now before you make more statements. Maybe someday, very soon, we won’t even have a country anymore.

A democratic country is one where its people have equal rights, a good government body is one that ensures the people’s needs are considered and met if appropriate (which in this case I think are very appropriate, don’t you think?). A good country to live in, is one where you feel at home – not one that makes you feel like an outsider who should be grateful to have been invited for shelter.

So friends, never give up hope that we will someday have a better country. We will, someday see the change many have been fighting and waiting for all these years.

July 9th.

Most of you should already know by now what July 9th is all about. If you don’t, then you probably know nothing about this country you’re living in (if you are a Malaysian). It’s sad to know that over 50 years into gaining independence, we still have to come up with such activities and chaos has to be triggered to get our voices heard. Minority voices. Voices some people think are insignificant just because the amount is little, but would make a huge difference when it comes to the polls.

What I do not understand is why the government and the police force have to lock those with BERSIH T-Shirts up. What I can’t comprehend is why they are so afraid of this rally taking place, when the objectives of the entire event are simple; the people want fair and just elections. No more double standards, no more tricks and dirty work. Isn’t that what the government should be proposing as well? If the government is against this event, then is the government sending out the message that they are not in favour of fair and just elections?

Democracy means the people should have the right to speak out, to determine what they want for their country. But now it seems like we are living under dictatorship. Why are the opinions and thoughts of citizens of Malaysia placed into a healthy event – a threat to the nation? The intention is never to start a war, or to jeopardise the harmonious environment that we currently live in. It is just a form of getting the eyes and ears of people to see and listen, what they have to say. And I would say it’s actually very fair, they are not demanding for double standards being turned the other way round, they are not asking for special rights to be reversed the other way round.

It is just ridiculous when you just grab people off the streets and throw them into jail because they chose to wear a T-Shirt of something they support. Whatever happened to human rights? If the government decides that Nike-branded items are a threat to the national economy, whoever seen wearing a Nike merchandise will have to be put into jail as well?

I hope nobody gets hurt in the rally and politics in our country change for the better. Tough luck, but not impossible. Not likely, but it could be reality someday. As long as the people are aware of what is really happening in this country we call our home, and we are not afraid of standing up for what we believe in. Also, do not forget to practise your rights.

Talking politics.

I recently came across a Twitter user who responded to one of my frequent article attachments regarding the political condition we have here in Malaysia. As I went through his very few updates, I read one which prompted me to come up with this post. It went like this: sangat tipis peluang MCA kawasan majority Cina.cuma harap undi Melayu,kawasan majority Melayu. 

Another reference: link.

I think what many people (probably including most politicians as well) fail to see is that most Malaysians are not voting based on the race facet. They are not choosing who to win the elections in relation to skin colour or religion. UMNO, MCA, MIC are considered as one because they are the government. So when people choose, it’s either they are in support of the government or they are not. So when a Chinese or an Indian does not support MCA and MIC respectively – it does not mean they are not supporting their own races. It means they are not in favour of what the government is doing, how it is functioning.

I’m not here to diss the Malaysian government neither am I going to praise them. What I’d like to do is point out hard facts, facts that nobody can deny and it will not raise controversies because they are well, facts.

Singapore is the perfect example. Most of you should know that Singapore was once a part of Malaysia. Horrible events took place in between and Singapore became Republic of Singapore in 1965, having cut merger ties with Malaysia. Now let’s just see how advanced and developed Singapore is now – compared to Malaysia. We became independent countries (meaning no longer attached) at the same time so it was a fair game.

When such an issue was raised, certain Malaysian politicians could only give a respond like this – it is not fair to compare because Singapore is a much smaller country to manage. Which is absurd really, because it is whether you want to see it happen or you simply do not care. If that really is the case, let’s just say yes – Malaysia is really massive and it is too much to handle – then why don’t start with one state at a time? If we would have started since 1965, imagine how developed Malaysia would be now? You can clearly tell the differences in the management.

This is something I picked off a news article on MalaysiaKini:

Genuine multiracial Malaysia is not possible and can never be ready. It was not ready 50 years ago, it is not ready now and if will never be ready for the next 100 years. How can it ever be, when racism is being inculcated and accentuated day in and day out. (link)

On another note, Malaysians above 21 should register themselves as a voter. There is no point criticising the system and making complaints, leaving trails everywhere on social networks but you do not practise this right that is given to you. It is a simple procedure and it’s not going to take a lifetime. Register yourself and then show up on the designated date to cast your votes. That’s all.

Malaysia.

Malaysia is a country of its own people! It is not from Singapore, neither is it in Miami.. That’s what someone told his friends in America and they actually bought it. And I don’t blame people who have never heard of Malaysia because truth is, we only have ourselves to blame. How come Singapore reached development achievements and worldwide recognition successfully and we’re still stuck at “developing nation”? Singapore isn’t exactly multiracial because most of the citizens are Chinese and other races are totally outnumbered yet they are known globally.

We have beautiful beaches, we have many races living together under one roof, we have sky-high buildings, yet people are in shock when they find out about us. It’s not like the people here don’t English, it’s not like our politicians don’t go on political trips overseas to tighten political bonds, it’s not like the people here are uncivilised or still living on trees. But how come we’re not as recognised as our neighbour countries? Indonesia and Thailand are probably more famous than Malaysia.

Our architectural development may be on a rapid growth as years pass by but I believe the mentality that we possess is still very undeveloped. There is still too much of corruption around the country making it difficult for us to achieve world class condition for the people to live. There is a reason why there are so many Malaysians migrating each year. There is a reason why people prefer their children completing studies overseas so that they will be able to find a job and settle there.

Malaysia is a beautiful country, with great food and gorgeous people as well. But there are many cracks underneath it all that have been left unfixed for a very long time and it will only keep getting worst.

In this big city where no one really sleeps.

#Scheduled post

Did you know that Malaysia will hit insolvency in 9 years if we carry on financially at this rate? All those millions and billions being “invested” into armour, space uniform and whatever else there is, how will it help the people both directly and indirectly may I ask?

Uneducated/ignorant people may believe what is said, but can anyone certify that all those money would really go into good use? Can anyone say all our taxes are not being conned and swept under the carpet?

All that money should be put into greater use to aid those who are suffering from poverty, those who need hundreds of thousands to undergo major operations, basically those who need help to just survive.

About a month ago, I came across a piece of article in The Sun. It stated “Two-generation loan payment scheme for the benefit of poor Malays in Penang”. Makes one wonder, why do only Malays get the privilege? Is it because only the Malays consist of poor people or simply because the other races are not of first priority? Doesn’t take a genius to know the answer to that huh?

I don’t want to be how the people in Greece are now. Or Iceland. Italy for that matter.

Let’s hope Malaysia does not make the headlines for being “The next country to go bankrupt”.

It was fresh and exciting at first but now i’m jaded.

I can’t stand being ignorant about the happenings in our country, especially racism. I don’t think any of us have any idea how serious this matter really is right here, in this place we call our homeland. I don’t know how some people can do it, we can’t just pretend like nothing’s wrong. We’re a citizen of this country, we’re an inhabitant of Earth. I think that everything that happens no matter where and when, it concerns us whether directly or indirectly.

I read the local and international news online mostly, apart from The Star paper. Remarks users/readers post on each piece of news on our local websites, most of them disgust me to the core. I feel so much of revulsion and loathing by just reading what their user names are. Yes, their user names.

Instead of talking about the tragedy that befalls upon an unfortunate citizen of the country or a group of civilians, or even when it comes to the politicians, they make it all about themselves. They turn every word and sentence into an issue of racism, they make pokes at religions, they aggravate each other for no apparent reason. Is this what the world is becoming into? Even in football sites globally, people do the same. Just because someone supports another club, you immediately make him/her a foe.

Why can’t these people comprehend that we are not going to agree with each other at all times, but that doesn’t mean we can’t come to an understanding that different people simply have different likings and preferences, all we have to do is respect that.

I don’t know why some people have nothing better to do but to turn things that are already bad to worse. Maybe it gives them some sort of kick or satisfaction, I don’t know. But one thing I know, these people are sick. So much for 1Malaysia, one country one nation. Why can’t they be contented with what we have, and be good to each other? It’s not like we have to lick shoes of one another, it’s just basic courtesy.

It is already bad enough with the crime rates, the corruption, etc. Is this what we are going to be, identifying others based on race and religion? When are these people going to learn to change? It is impossible to cease discrimination completely, but the least we can all do is put the disparities we have had in the past to rest.

xx