What did we learn from Permatang Pasir by election results? At a time when mainstream media has become a puppet in the hands of the unseen ruling powers, Malaysians have become wise in discerning right from wrong and truths from falsehoods.

This has been reflected in the Permatang Pasir by election results. People know that all that glitters is not gold. They have matured to be good rational voters. They are no more "frogs in the well" to believe the media drama and false propaganda.

It is high time the government realises that media publicity is not enough to stay in power. Public relations campaigns are not enough to win votes. Giving hampers and cash packets will not help. Giving media KPIs will not suffice to sustain growth. They want something more; something more practical. Something that is more visible and believable.

Malaysians want serious commitments to see this country progress towards a stable future. They want curbing of blatant misuse of power. Cronyism must come to an end. Scandals must stop. Misuse of funds must end. Absolute power resulting in absolute misuse of power must cease. They want redemption of this great country from the clutches of the corrupt. This is the paradigm shift of democracy in Malaysia.

Malaysians, especially the silent majority, hate the crude behaviour of politicians. Recently the deputy prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, used his media clout to call Anwar Ibrahim a traitor just for being fair to all, irrespective of race or religion.

Malaysians were shocked to see him stooping so low just to garner votes from the electorate. At the end of the day it is the people who decide who is a traitor and who is not. They understand fairness. I hope no politician will slander another person for the pursuit of a personal agenda.

Malaysians have changed. It is high time politicians see that. The days of fear politics is gone for good. May 13 fear syndrome strategies no longer work. They have gone through a new paradigm shift.

For this reason politicians must change from their emotional, irrational, and extremist style of governance in this country. They must learn to accept the reality that we are living in a multi racial, multi religious country.

Be brave enough admit mistakes. Be bold to accept responsibilities. Change where there needs a change. Be fair to one and all. Keep your conscience clear. People will respect and vote you to power for they have gone through the paradigm shift of democracy.