It is now coming to our 50th year of independence and I would like to wish all Malaysians a Happy Merdeka. But looking back at our past and comparing it with the present administration, I somehow wish the good old days of Tunku were still around. Politicians then only had one aim - to serve his nation to the best he can.

It did not matter what colour or creed you were, the objective was very clear and simple. We are all Malaysians. There was no separation of class of citizens (bumi/non-bumi).The only thing on their (the politicians) mind was the people. We have moved forward with success when all worked as one with no individual thinking of his own businesses or interests.

But look at us today. Nearly 50 years down the line, compare the debate of our MPs in Parliament, the so-called leaders. A mature leader would be thinking about nation-building for the betterment of the rakyat. Is the present government so short of representatives who can discuss material of importance to the nation and rakyat?

Progress comes with development but here again, we have failed. We spend like there is no tomorrow and build tall towers and beautiful cities but for what? So that a few individuals can have a piece of a pie? And we call this helping the unfortunate and sharing the economic benefits with them?

Then along comes an ambitious young politician, playing the racial card while the government of the day sits by quietly. Are the people so naive even after 50 years of independence? Do we need history to remind us of the many leaders who have used this gimmick to win support from a particular race so as he can become a future leader?

At the end, only our grandchildren will know the good or bad of this current scenario in the country. For in politics, the end justifies the means. But remember this, they can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but never all of the people all of the time.

And so with this, I wish your readers a Happy Merdeka and would remind them to choose their leaders wisely for the sake of their grandchildren.