It is the constant infusion of idealism, optimism and energy which will fuel the progress and change necessary for the future of Malaysia. These unique traits are most found in young minds, who dare to dream and whose dreams are not filtered or inhibited.

These dreams are many and may include a civil society, a more democratic Malaysia, freedom of the press and an end to race-based politics. Whatever it is, there must be an avenue and a safe place for young Malaysians to express their dreams and hopes for a nation that they will help to shape.

 

I returned to Malaysia with many ideals, after having completed my studies overseas. There were many things I wanted to see happen in my life and in society. One of which was the end of race- based politics.  

I also hoped to see a two-party system like that of many mature democracies in the world.  At that time, the ‘man-on-the-street’ did not understand that a democracy actually provided for this to happen.

It was unthinkable and unimaginable at that time since most of us had never seen or heard of another government besides the Barisan Nasional.  In fact, many who were 30 and below then never even heard of another leader besides Dr Mahathir Mohammad.   

Raja Petra Kamaruddin in his blog commented on the upcoming elections in the UK and said, ‘I know. I am being idealistic in thinking that this can happen in Malaysia, at least not in our generation.

‘But this is what my perjuangan is all about, to see the emergence of two equally strong parties that we can rotate every two or three elections, and a ‘third force’ that can play king-maker and balance between the two so that they know they can't rule on their own without help from the third force.

‘It is a difficult dream to realise, I know. But it is not an impossible dream. And it is a dream that will take time to realise. But what is mankind in the absence of dreams? A person without a dream is a person who has stopped living. So I continue to dream.

‘And my dream is that one day Malaysia will have a large percentage of matured voters who will choose their government based on tangible reasons and not based on emotions and sentiments and pining for a return to the glory of days gone by.’

Raja Petra continues to dream for a Malaysia that is free from the powers of a single party that has governed for 53 years. In the UK, after 13 years, the people seek change. Change because times have changed. Changes because the world economy and events have changed.  Changed because a government that has stayed for too long will grow roots and become too comfortable.    

What more after 53 years? The government has forgotten who their bosses are and who the ultimate beneficiary is to all the tax money and services provided by the various branches of government. It is time that the people of Malaysia, young and old reclaim Malaysia from the present government and institutionalise a two-party system in Malaysia.  

We have the power and authority in a democratic country like ours to shape the future. If we are not happy with the racial politics, with our education system, with the judiciary and with the law enforcers and with the sharing of wealth, we, the rakyat, have the power and privilege of participating in the decision to change things.

It is imperative therefore that every Malaysian of the eligible age ensure that they have been registered to vote.  Due to the incompetency of the Malaysian Election Commission, a Malaysian can only exercise his right to vote only after a year of his registration with the Election Commission.   

It is therefore imperative that if you desire to partake in the next general elections, you quickly register yourself with the Election Commission and hope the BN government doesn’t dissolve Parliament and call for a general elections within the next 12 months.  

I hope that the many young people of Malaysia will continue to share their dream for a greater future for Malaysia. Dream the impossible dream and work to see it happen. May the Almighty be gracious with Malaysia as we seek a better future for us and for the generations to come.