Recent events have led me to believe that reform — both political and social — is needed in our beloved country.

From the political perspective, let us take a look at our current options available in our country today. On one hand, we have a party whose whole political agenda is based on the setting up of an Islamic state. This clearly will not work in a country where there are diverse races, religions and cultures.

To subject non-Muslims to Muslim laws is unconstitutional. Its alternative — two sets of laws for Muslims and non-Muslims — is also not conducive to a united country.

On the other hand, we have the politicians of the ruling party who appear to have neither the correct attitude or aptitude to take Malaysia forward into the 21st century judging from how they have handled recent controversies.

Comments from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar show our shortfall in handling crises right when they turned the alleged rape of a minor into a national issue and a demand for an apology from Philippines.

The water spat with Singapore also points to our own sloppiness. Why are we harping on the price of water resold by Singapore who bought the untreated water from us? It is our own mistake for not having the foresight to revise the rates when we inked the new agreement in the 1980s?

A contract is a contract and we no longer have the right to retract the rates. Perhaps its time to stop crying over spilt milk and move on. But it is Syed Hamid's exploiting the Bali bombings to justify our Internal Security Act that takes the cake. How dare he use the tragedy of others to justify his political agendas? He should be thankful that no such calamity has not occurred in Malaysia.

The tactics of the ruling party is not unfamiliar to any of us. They exploit racial issues to their benefit. To the Malays, they imply "Do not vote for us and your bumiputera rights will disappear". To the non-Malays, they will fend off issues with a "That is a sensitive issue" or "You should be grateful that you have been allowed to live in this country". Is this the way for our nation to advance?

Where are the champions of the country that we so badly need? Leaders who become politicians for the sake of attempting to create a better world? Individuals who fight against social injustices regardless of race or religion? People whose desire to see that the man on the street be better off than he is today?

DAP is a joke and Keadilan spends too much time focusing on their 'mascot' rather than arguing about issues. My dream of seeing Malaysia thrive in the 21st century is slowly dissolving before my very eyes. It's time to reflect a little and think of effective ways to reform the political system within the country that we may move forward.