Recently, I came to realize that our government is very deceptive. Government deceiving the citizens? Now, that doesn't sound good...i know. But hey, its happening! First, we are all well aware of the fact that Malaysia is a democratic country. Our governance is modeled after that of the United Kingdom, known as the Westminster system or model. This is purely democracy we are talking about, people!
Democracy gives space for the public to take part in peaceful street demonstrations or rallies. Its a common sight to see public demonstrations in countries such as the United States, UK, Canada and Australia. But, what happens when the citizens of Malaysia take part in demonstrations?? If you are thinking "tear gas", BINGO!! We will be tear gassed and forced to adjourn the demonstration. This happened during the 2007 Hindraf rally and most recently during the Bersih 2.0 rally. Why is the government so anti-demonstrations? Hello, we put "you" there in Putrajaya and now we don't even have the rights to voice our dissatisfaction through peaceful demonstrations?? Is this the way how democracy works? Do not lead us into believing that Malaysia is a democratic country when we are actually not allowed to practice true democracy! For me, this is deceiving!
Another deceiving incident or issue (i have no idea how to term it) comes in the form of the "1 Malaysia" concept. This concept allows "equal" rights to all citizens, exclusive of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Well, this is what we are told of. Equal rights? Now, that sounds too good to be true.What is 1 Malaysia when non-bumiputras have to pay more on real estates? Now, i dont have issues against the bumiputras. But why is such rule applied when all the races worked together to form and bring up Malaysia? Im aware of the fact that according to the Article 153 of the Constitution of Malaysia, the bumiputras have special rights. But, since 1 Malaysia has been brought forward, why not alter the rule and grant us the "equal" right?
Besides that, what is 1 Malaysia when there are quotas based on religion and race when it comes to tertiary education? Why are these quotas still applied when in reality, we are promised equal rights? This is education. Give us admission into public universities based on academic achievements, not based on racial or religious backgrounds. So, now you tell me. Isn't the 1 Malaysia concept deceiving?
Well, Im not being racist and attempting to offend anyone in particular. Im just expressing my opinions. All Im trying to stress or highlight is that the government should bring about changes in order to extinguish dissatisfaction among the public and restore our peace. As a citizen of Malaysia, I should have the freedom of speech (democracy, people!). I have a lot more to say but i think its best to stop here or it will be a never ending story. Last but not the least, I hope not to be charged for writing this!! Have a nice day everyone!
Nice post Shalini.I can follow your thoughts while reading this post. Well Malaysia has been a rather unfinished produc and many nations are still within this category. The thing is, all other developed nations has gone through the current phase of development that we have had. The America's, Africa, France and the list goes on. Its part of a paradigm shift that alters the thinking of its people.The racial issues,crime problems and others are no different from what other countries has experienced during the same phase.
ReplyDeleteWhen Malaysia was formed, it was a covenant formed between 3 races and others residing in Malaysia. The problem is, when the covenant was signed no one realised the implications of the pre-conditions that we have agreed upon. We were more interested in getting independence rather than thinking of the consequences surrounding it.
Today, we no more desire independence, instead a new problem of racial unity has mushroomed. Its interesting to note that UMNO happens to be the oldest incumbent ruling party in the whole world. That partially explains why we are still stuck instead of moving forward when it concerns unity and race issues. We need change and in that change will come good things no matter who brings that change.
Its only natural to assume this. If there was only one party ruling us, the shortcomings would never be visible. Hopefully the next general elections rectifies this problem. All I can say is that, we live in a great country and I can foresee that over the next 10-20 years, Malaysia would go through a period of rapid transformation and we would be at the centre of it.