The results of the recent General Elections are indeed a heartening sign for all Malaysians who believe in the basic tenets of democracy. In what that seemed to be a long lost phenomenon in Peninsular Malaysia (except perhaps in Kelantan and Terengganu), a majority of the general voting public demonstrated their willingness to participate in the democratic process by voting out the ruling parties and government where discontented.

Anwar Ibrahim hailed the outcome as a fundamental paradigm shift in Malaysian politics saying that it will never be the same again. And who can say he is wrong? For only the second time in Malaysian history, the Barisan Nasional failed to secure a 2/3rds majority in parliament and lost in five states. Dr John Walker, a political analyst with the University of New South Wales even commented in the local Australian news that the result signified both a symbolic and ideological change in Malaysian politics.

Having said all this, what now, Malaysia? It would seem that the paradigm shift only means new challenges for the new-look Malaysian government and its people.

True enough that the ruling Barisan Nasional party now cannot act with impunity in amending the constitution at will but much of what they wanted to do had already been done when they had the power. Given the Barisan Nasional’s majority in parliament, it would be extremely difficult if not impossible for the opposition to undo the damage done to constitutional rights that have been severely watered down over the years. The opposition’s political strategy in this respect is anyone’s guess.

But seizing power in the five states, the opposition parties have the opportunity to consolidate their financial and power base and perhaps more importantly, their patronage in those states. It however, remains to be seen how these untested state governments will perform this coming term. The silver lining is that there is no absolute majority in four states implying a pre-existing check and balance that would favour the people.

The mere existence of a ‘strong’ opposition does not mean that the rakyat can sit on their laurels and expect change to happen. Previously overwhelming majorities for the Barisan Nasional coupled with blind loyalty did not necessarily propagate change so there is no reason to take it for granted that a strong opposition will.

The sad reality is that systemic corruption, the lack of transparency, imminent worldwide economic woes and an abused affirmative action policy all require urgent action.

The rakyat must therefore be vigilant in constantly reviewing the progress made on the impressive manifestos so proudly flaunted by political parties before the election. As demonstrated prior to the election, the people must continue to voice out and express their dissatisfaction when they have been wronged.

Thanks to the people of Malaysia, these elections have seen government by the people and of the people, let us now push for government for the people!