Lest you think this is yet another political blog entry, let me assure you that it is not; for as much as I would like to comment on the political state of our country, I find that my knowledge is too inadequate to give a fair opinion.
But as a fellow-citizen (and a naggy one, at that), I believe it is also important to remind ourselves of 3 very simple truths before making our way to the polling station this Wednesday, 9 May 2018.
#1 The Government vs. The Political Party
Just because a certain political party has been ruling the country for decades, it DOES NOT mean that the said party is the government. Neither does it fully represent the government. Whether you refer to Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam Webster, or even Wikipedia, the government refers to a group of people who have been given the authority to govern a state or a country. The key word? "Given the authority". Who gives this authority? You and I. Citizens of the country.
The ruling political party does not get there by itself. It is the citizens who have the right to grant the authority to the GROUP which makes up the entire government. And the government does not belong to just ONE political party. The elected candidates from various parties make up the entire group called the GOVERNMENT.
#2 Voting is our Right and our Duty
If you are planning to join the #UndiRosak gang, let me plead you to think again. Rationally. Realistically. Let us put our heated emotions aside for as short as 5 minutes and ponder on this, before we are forced to face the consequences of our actions for the next 5 years:
As citizens, we have been given (blessed, even) with the right to vote. And it is our duty to do so. From what I understand, #UndiRosak aims to send a message that both (or all three) political parties that are running have got its own share of rotten apples. Duh ... tell us something new. Do we not already know this? Anyone who is given power, can easily fall into such temptations and screw things up. Don't believe me? Try being a King for a day. Or even an entire month. Do you think you would really make that much of a difference to the poor or to people who really need your help? I know I would most likely want to meet my own personal needs and desires before I even think of the poor.
Go ahead and spoil your own vote if that is what you truly believe in. After all, that is YOUR ballot, not mine. (I will screw you if you tamper with mine!) But here is the harsh reality: When you wake up on Thursday, 10 May 2018, you know for certain that either one of those candidates on the ballot would have won the election and therefore, run that constituency. YOUR constituency. YOUR state. YOUR country. Get real, the message has already been sent. But it will be neither you nor I, or anyone from the #UndiRosak gang who would have won the election and be given the mandate to do anything. Therefore, please ... spare a thought for YOUR future.
#3 The country has done you NO WRONG
With the elections drawing so close and the media getting all hyped up, it is easy for us to forget that the country is more than mere politics. Our country is a beautiful country. It is the country that God has thought long and hard before deciding to place you and I here. And no matter what religion you hold onto, or even if you are an atheist, the fact is the country has done you NO WRONG.
Do not hate the country. For every rotten politician that we hear of, there are many other beautiful things that help to redeem the reputation of our country. Not too sure? Start off with the kinds of food we find here. Dishes you can't live without. Think of how united we are when we cheer for our national athletes at any sports tournament. Look at the beautiful scenery and the natural landscape around you. Think of your friends and loved ones who reside here.
There is, certainly, more to Malaysia than just politics.
Think wisely before you head to the polling station. Selamat mengundi, wahai warganegara Malaysia!
Negaraku
Tanah tumpahnya darahku...
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