The election season is on – a time to determine who will represent us in Parliament. After the euphoria of the 2018 general election, many were disappointed when political ‘frogs’ (defectors), through their ‘Sheraton Move’, overthrew the duly elected government. So, in this election, keep in mind two words – character and credibility. This is about individual commitment to moral standards which enhances character and builds credibility. It is not about being perfect or saintly but being aware of mistakes and taking corrective action.
Source: https://www.malaysia-today.net
Individuals should be held accountable for their actions and politicians cannot tell blatant lies, amass wealth beyond measure and defraud the nation.
The choices are many, and the field will be filled with many parties. There may be scandalous or questionable individuals, warlords and political operators whose shelf-life is over. We must remove them.
These tainted politicians believe that, if they get to form the government, they can then appoint an attorney general who will clear them. They have no regard for institutions but seek to benefit themselves, even at the expense of the nation. Who are they? They adorn the front pages of our newspapers.
There is this one coalition that ruled Malaysia for six decades. It is in no better place today. It has become weaker, because of infighting, lack of credibility and downright arrogant which then leads to the present coalition.
Multi-ethnic Malaysia falls victim to identity politics based on ethnicity or religion. Race, religion and royalty remain the cry of one party, only to have its actions defame each of these. Populist ideas that play on the insecurity and fear of ‘the other’ dominate political discourse for votes.
We see scant discussion of critical issues like inflation, the weakening ringgit, the recession, unemployment, migrant workers, relations with China, and key foreign affairs issues like Myanmar, Asean and many others.
The state of the country illustrates this reality. Corruption has become systemic in major institutions. For instance, the Companies Commission of Malaysia, Bank Negara, the Securities Commission and even the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have had to deal with corruption-related issues.
Another breeding ground for corruption is at the local government level. As land is a state matter, many grey areas are not exposed. Environmental degradation, river pollution and massive floods occur because they are no elected councils.
Corruption is not an ethnic issue. You meet the challenges of corruption in China, South Korea, India, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as in the West. It is human failure facilitated by long periods of being in power. The root cause is unbridled greed.
Consider candidates and evaluate their character, behaviour and wealth. Many are warlords, irrespective of their ethnic origin, are in politics for the benefits that power gives them in terms of wealth and rewards. Some are over 85 or 97 and still want to be your representative!
Evaluate their education, character and sincerity to the cause they represent. Note how much wealth they have accumulated. If their cause is only self-interest, then please strike them out.
Where are the fresh faces?
What lies ahead of us is a daunting choice, which we all must make in the best interest of our nation. Systems can be manipulated, offices can be corrupted, but in the end, it is the quality of our leaders that matters. Not race or religion. Vote well for a future that breeds hope and not despair!
Reference:
Election 2022: Throw out the warlords, the corrupt and the racists! K. Haridas, Aliran,
24 Oct 2022
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