Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
From Our Readers
We are all one big family, please let’s not forget that

Brothers follow opposite paths; some good, others wanting but this does not mean that those who are ‘good’ abandon and forget those following ‘evil’ ways.

When right-thinking Malaysians think aloud, they are not wishing you ill but admonishing you. The opposite of love is not hatred but indifference. Only those who care enough will admonish you. They won’t walk away. They will admonish you because that’s what you need. That doesn’t mean they love you any lesser.

What is a promise? Is it illegal that we demand that others keep their promises?

We are all Malaysians; steadfastly and stoically, slogging with expectant hope for a better tomorrow where our children would be. We won’t let go or be a resigned people till we have achieved what we were born to be.

We were born to be free. We were called to be free persons and to free others.

Many are facing sedition charges, yet some time ago we were promised that the Sedition Act will be repealed. Yet, Safwan Anang has just been sentenced to 10 months for sedition.

What does the powers-that-be accomplish by putting away those who care to call for accountability for what the powers-that-be have done or failed to do?

And what did these bravehearts and other right-thinking Malaysians ask for?

That there be respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms?

That there be a host of political rights and civil liberties necessary to underpin a meaningful democracy?

That the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of a government?

That there be freedom of association?

That there be freedom of expression of opinion?

That there be access to power and its exercise in accordance with the rule of law, not the rule by law?

That there be separation of powers?

That there be independence of the judiciary?

That there be accountability and transparency in public administration?

That there be a free, independent and pluralistic media?

Aren’t all the above some of the most basic of all freedoms in a functioning democracy, what’s more in the most democratic nation in the world?

All done for the love of our motherland

Democratic deficits, weak institutions and poor leadership aren’t helping us in our march towards 2020? So, what’s so wrong in reminding you, the powers-that-be that you aren’t on the right track? All done for the love of our motherland. How wrong can this sound?

Come on, in a functioning democracy, a parliamentarian’s duty is to engage in human rights protection. You can’t be hauling all those who are calling for transformational change-for choice, participation, transparency and respect for people’s legitimate quest for democratic space, and deem them to be seditious?

When our hope in our powers-that-be promises seems to have fallen to pieces?

When we become a people left thirsty by the powers-that-be?

Then when some bravehearts come along, slog to dig wells to quench our thirst, they get incarcerated for all their noble efforts? Where is the wisdom, man?

Do you not realise that when you are the powers-that-be, you are accountable to others and must answer for your actions? Perhaps, when you do, you will be more responsible?

This is a democracy - you were elected by the people, to do their bidding, not yours.

But what is most saddening is that this slew of sedition charges belies something much more terrifying. That some of us, though we are all Malaysian brothers and sisters, actually wish each other ill and want to do some in. That this envy in brothers and sisters have reached a point of madness and perhaps, even, crime and evil.

Please, everyone, stop this madness. We really cannot afford this. We are all Malaysians and we want what’s best for our motherland. Let's not further fracture the country we love so much with such acts of disunity, acted with impunity. Please stop!

We truly need reconciliation.

When we have differences, no matter how strong, the goal is not to put the ‘offender’ on trial but to persuade the ‘offender’ to see the wrong and be reconciled. Please let’s all work hard to find a solution for reconciliation based on love and wisdom, not relying on coercive force or threat of legal action.

Please let’s free ourselves from resentment, ill-will and unforgiveness. Let’s raise new levels in forgiveness, bear insults patiently, yet refuse to tolerate evil.

To the powers-that-be, please, truly take stock of what you have become and what you endeavour to be. Sincerely, right-thinking Malaysians are only asking you to be who you were ‘elected’ to be-humbly, submit yourselves to the will of the people, not because of their tyranny, but because you, too, need to be true and be freed from your arrogance.

There is no place in this 21st century for an arrogant leader in a functioning democracy, especially us, Malaysians, purportedly marching towards 2020.

Love never harms the neighbour, hence love must be the fulfilment of the law. May we always love others enough to tell them the truth.

Have faith and God bless.

ADS