Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
From Our Readers

I am in a serious state of confusion today. Reading Malaysiakini and, ironically, the mainstream papers makes me feel as if there will be a gigantic national election coming soon. Probably, these are the campaigning days ‘prior to the election’.

Wait a minute. The national election (Pilihanraya Umum 12) or synonymously named in its abbreviated form PRU12 was held one month ago. It is not exactly the fault or any form of mis-reporting on the part of presses and publications that caused such confusion.

Generally, the local news reports are full with articles emanating vibes of election - finger-pointing, trashing of personalities, amassing supporters to organise gatherings, little street demonstrations, alleged saboteurs and megaphone diplomacy. The media is merely reporting what is happening in reality.

As a concerned citizen, I was really looking forward to reading development plans for Malaysia for the nest four years. With the onset of a serious economic crisis in the US, I think it is really time for the chosen government to actually formulate strategies to safeguard local interests. Any form of inflation will affect the citizens by and large. This should be the priority instead. Regrettably, ‘election-style’ politicking seems to overtake these issues.

I hope there are people from the Barisan Nasional component parties that will read this letter and do something useful for the nation. Yes, BN lost its two-thirds majority and five states in PRU12 for the very first time in the 50 years of Malaysia.

Yes, it is BN's worst defeat to date. Yes, it is alarming but it should be known that BN still has the simple majority. BN is still the federal government.

This internal bickering is not doing any good to the image and structure of the ruling coalition. Being denied two-thirds is not the end of the world. However, it will be the end of the world for everyone in Malaysia, be commoners like me or the opposing parties and BN if the economy crumbles in the midst of all these continued sensational drama.

Believe me, PRU12 is nothing compared to the economic problems that will reach our shores as a side effect of the globalised economy centering on the US.

If one thinks PRU12 shook BN hard, imagine the damage an economic crisis may do to the foundations of a coalition. Think long and hard from the ‘confidence’ perspective of a common Malaysian towards a political party. Would one choose to bicker first and cushion the effects later or the opposite?

As for me, I would choose the latter. If the economy is sustained, at least it will generate a certain amount of positive vibes in ‘confidence’.

On the other hand, internal dispute is not only the problem of Barisan Nasional. Pakatan Rakyat has its share of megaphone diplomacy. Did anyone read about the latest DAP-PAS fiasco on the old issue of the Islamic state versus a secular state? It is not really wise to hang dirty linen out in public. It is high time to sit down, iron out the issue once and for all and prepare a detailed blueprint on ‘How to govern Malaysia: Muslims and Non-Muslims’.

The PR political parties should not avoid this issue any longer. Even as I speak, the supporters of both parties have started less than pleasant comments that may put the collaboration at risk. As a Malaysian, it is my dream to see them work together as one. It should be tighter and more synchronised than the cooperation that was witnessed in PRU12. PKR must be in the picture as well.

Pakatan Rakyat has to know that it came into being with the support of Malaysians particularly through the Barisan Rakyat civil movement initiative. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be appreciated. Time to ride on the wind rather than let it pass through without capitalising properly on the given chance.

ADS