Thanks to Hubby for the idea of today's post, we have been non-stop talking about the events of the last three days and 9th of May 2018 is indeed going to be a date etched in my memory for a long time! Not to mention the fact that I was literally in and out in less than 5 minutes at my polling center whilst a lot of others had to wait for hours! Hubby also managed to do his in a very short time.
So much has happened over the last few dayss and it has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me and I am sure for millions of Malaysians who poured into voting centers all over the country on the 9th of May 2018 to exercise their constitutional right to vote with hope in their heart for a new government that will rid the country of corruption and kleptocracy. A government whose purpose is to serve and bring betterment to the people of Malaysia.
This GE 14 (14th General Election) of Malaysia is such a historic event in the lives of all Malaysians today! To me it was really "Hari in dalam sejarah!" It was a day that the people stood up and made our choice known. We came out together in unity regardless of race or religion with one purpose which was to resoundingly throw out the abuse of power and corruption that has been rife in our country for as long as I can remember.
Throughout this entire process running up to the actual polling day, we watched unbelievably the intimidation by the authorities with draconian laws like the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, an absurd delineation exercise that was blatantly designed to favour the ruling party, the money politics and vote buying and not to mention the arbitrary and ludicrous rules imposed by the Election Commission (EC). Even on polling day itself, the diabolical plot of phantom voters, fake votes and refusal to sign off the vote counting results was just horrendous. Even after the results were clear, the lying and cheating continued unabated. The winners were treated with disdain and contempt, the process riddled with delays. I know I make it sound like a bad horror movie but that was how the last 48 hours felt like.
Having said all that, I am really so proud of all my fellow Malaysians who made a stand supporting each other, remained calm and I believed continued to pray in their own way for Tun Dr Mahathir to be sworn in as our 7th Prime Minister. When it finally happened, I could feel the entire nation breathe a palpable sigh of relief after a nail-biting day waiting for it to happen.
On top of that I felt that the PACAs (Polling Agent & Counting Agent) are really the unsung heroes of Malaysia's GE 14. They gave freely of their time to train as a PACA to ensure fair and free elections. Many also traveled outstation to help in the smaller and more rural constituencies. They were really instrumental in ensuring that the entire process of voting, counting and signing of form 14 was done in accordance to the law. From the many facebook postings, I believe that it was because of them and many other citizens who stood outside voting centers to help made that made a difference in the election results that day.
So where do we go from here? For the last 3 to 4 days I have reminded myself that I have woken to a NEW Malaysia. But what does that mean? What does that mean for the common man or woman like me? I have been glued to Facebook feeds and online news till the wee hours of the morning. 3 am....4 am... and what? What's next? As my title says this is REBOOT! This is a chance to start things over again! Personally, for me and my family, these are some reflections that I believe will change for us from today onwards.
#1 I must believe and have faith that things will change
For the longest time, I have always felt that Malaysia will always have this issue and that issue and all that cannot change! Whilst I was born here, I have always felt like I needed to migrate somewhere else, (New Zealand please!) to be able to live the way I want to live. I felt that things like a good education for my children was impossible! But now, I want to start believing that things maybe can change after all! In fact, I am sure that once I start doing this, somehow opportunities will come my way, great relationships will be formed and greater things can come.
#2 As a citizen of Malaysia I must be a part of that change
Since I have been glued to the computer/mobile phone screen over the last few days, I have noticed so many people share their opinions and expressed them in a variety of ways. For me I noticed that it was all too easy to complain, criticise and condemn. It starts with me, with all of us... can I be supportive first and foremost, gracious in circumstances that we don't know all the fact and humble when responding to others especially online? I want to start by thinking the best of people. This is even more important as Malaysia is multi racial country. It would too easy for distrust to creep in and destroy everything that is good. So let's really embrace our identity as Malaysians! We must not let other people define who we are.
#3 Be part of the solution rather than the problem
I must not be apathetic any longer. So many Malaysians have risen up in recent years to be the solution to help with the change that has finally happened this year. I can't imagine, if people like Rafizi Ramli did not start invoke, we would have no PACAs at all. He found a solution to a problem! It took him years but he is now seeing the fruits of his labour. Can we do the same? Not just sit on the sidelines and watch but to jump in there and give of ourselves. Hmm....maybe I will start a party and run for the next GE? Not! But seriously there are many different ways that you can contribute to nation building. Find something that resonates with you and give.
#4 Forgive but do not forget so easily
I remember in one of the many speeches during the campaigning period, I heard something that struck me about Malaysians just going back to their "normal" life after this. It is very easy to forget about stuff with the passing of time. Events and transgressions become a dim memory and we forget that it acts as life lessons to become better. In essence, we must continue to hold our government and politicians accountable for their actions. For me, I have so much respect for Tun Dr Mahathir wanting to right the wrongs, some which were perpetrated by him many many years ago. I really love this video that expressed regret over his mistakes. But I will be watching to see if this change does take place and not take for granted that it will happen. Indeed Lord Acton was right when he said, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely"
#5 Change takes time
I must remind myself to be patient and give Pakatan Harapan a fighting chance. After all, the previous government had 61 years. Demanding for immediate change and results is unreasonable. I will be looking out for obvious change progressions and if I get huge change, it will be a bonus!
I am going to start truly loving and being proud of Malaysia. I have lived here for the last 30 odd years give or take. I spent a few years overseas in university and for work but this is really the only home that I have. So I am going to love it and be proud of it. To give whilst I am here. Who knows I might still migrate in time to come but for now, this is HOME!
Indeed, I can now say "Malaysia Boleh!" without my usual sarcasm. Let's grab this chance of a new start together! We have so much to look forward to!
I am cliche so here, enjoy this rendition of "Sejahtera Malaysia"
For those who took part in Team Malaysia's Teh Tarik Sunday today, my question is what would/could you do for our NEW Malaysia?
3 SBD for the best answer! Do comment on my post. Thanks, everyone! Can't wait for your answers!
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