Malaysians of all walks of life woke up in the early morning of 9th May with a zest, determined to change their well being as a citizen of Malaysia Tanah Tumpah Darahku (The Land I Spilled My Blood).
Feeling of uncertainty was definitely in the air, especially recalling back the last two General Elections where it ended with big disappointments. Nevertheless the young and old, the rich and poor, the educated and the not so academically endowed, all made their way to their respective polling stations, waiting patiently to do their duty as a citizen of this country to casts their votes to determine the future of this country. Everyone was helping each other, the young giving way to the elders, the physically challenged were accommodated by the abled, and giving way to someone who was already late to catch a flight. I observed the presence of a sense of humanity and citizenry amongst the people who had to endure long queue under the intense heat and humidity.
Everyone had clear objectives as to who they want them to be represented in the legislature, but like in any elections, there can only be one entity winning over the other.
But this time the composition of Gen Y representing 41% of the total population made the difference in the outcome of the election. This generation basically do not have specific ideological leanings but totally operate on existentialism. What they see and experience determines their decision rather than having any political party based emotional underpinnings.
The wrongs of the incumbent's governance was not only glaring but with information accessibility by the digitally savvy generation became the game changer in determining their mindset.
Secondly the web of digital coverage unlike in the past had also permeated rural Malaysia, giving rural folks alternative information as against contradictory propagation made by the incumbent government. Coupled with the fact, many policies of the incumbent government created hardship to the man on the street, which caused much frustration because it started to affect the well being of these folks.
One significant decay owing to 62 years of a single alliance rule, was that there seem to be a blurred boundary between the civil service and the ruling government. It became almost synonymous that members of both entities crisscrossing jurisdictional boundaries which often frustrated the Rakyat (Citizens) in terms of the services expected out of them.
It is hoped that with the formation of the new government, greater transparency is afforded so that there is clarity in accountability of roles by the members of the civil service and the governing political entity. Definitely there is going to be discomfort amongst the members of the civil service, working under a new master with a totally different ideagogue.
This entire event is going to be a new experience to all stakeholders. But I believe with patience and perseverance we all can triumph to create a better MALAYSIA.
To the new government, I say the Rakyat have spoken and given you a mandate, it is up to you to meet the expectations that you yourself have promised. We are watching you. Do follow a righteous path towards good governance.
You have seen the power of the RAKYAT, if you miss your step, absolutely without hesitation we can throw you out.
"Mistakes are committed unintentionally, but misdeeds are committed knowingly,
The ones who commit mistakes must strive to mend it, while the ones who commit misdeed must repent." - quoting from Poet Vaali.
A New MALAYSIA is BORN, it is not a time to celebrate, but its time to work even harder to rebuild a frayed governance and citizenry.
For the FUTURE of OUR CHILDREN and the GENERATIONS thereafter.
Ravi Varmman Kanniappan
10 May 2018
