It's all very well and good for some of us to say that we should just keep things the way they are for now and forever.

Why can't we have a clean and fair electoral system that allows the people to peacefully choose the leaders of their choice? Why can't we have a free and independent judiciary? Why can't we have a society where absolutely nobody is above the law? Why can't we have free speech so that we may openly debate in a free market of ideas?

Why can't we have a free and independent ACA? Why can't we have a well-paid and ethical police force? Why can't we have a better education system? Why can't we have a society free of racism, sleaze and violence?

Why can't we overtake Singapore in the globalisation stakes? Why can't we have better Internet access for the rakyat? Why can't we have a culture of honour and responsibility towards one another instead of a culture of corruption?

Why can't we provide more sporting facilities to as many people as possible? Why can't we stop going after mindless records that prove absolutely nothing?

Why can't Malaysians compete with one another on a level playing field in any endeavour of their choice? Why can't we have a better transport system? Why can't we accept each other as Malaysian, nothing more and nothing less?

Why can't we treat non-Malaysians who don't necessarily wish to put their money in Malaysia with equal courtesy? Why can't we be free of xenophobia? Why can't we respect each other's religious philosophy? Why can't we respect each other's lifestyle choices?

Why can't we have print and broadcast media that are free to alert the rakyat to abuses of power and instances of incompetence by the government of the day, whoever they may be? Why can't things be better? Why can't we be free to prove that things can be better?

Malaysia today is just plain full of can'ts.

Leslie Lim