The political landscape in Malaysia has changed tremendously since the 1998 debacle on Anwar Ibrahim and many more Malaysians are now better aware, informed, influenced and interested in the political situation today.

Yet, I ask ourselves whether we as Malaysians are ready to discuss issues without being emotional and partisan.

Being a multi-racial society where race and religion are really very sensitive issues whether we like it or not, the key question to all young and old, (especially the younger ones i.e. those in the early 20s), is can we analyse and discuss rationally as mature thinking citizens?

If yes, let's do it via the various media forums like the malaysiakini website. My suggestion is for the editor here to be the chairperson and coordinate a specific topic for discussion.

I think there are many who are easily influenced by the media which tend to sensationalise the negatives and encourage the 'blame' mentality. Whether good or bad and whether the total picture is understood or not, the blame finger is always pointed at someone else, especially our PM..

Why? Why should everything be blamed upon our PM ? I actually know many people with such views but when asked for evidence to substantiate their views, I find that most of their thinking is their own prejudice influenced by 'hear-say' through word of mouth or the media's interpretation.

The burden of proof is with the accused and it doesn't matter if the accusation is valid or not! Do people realise it is most easy to accuse and criticise ? Sure, anyone can say 'So & So' is like that ...blah blah blah.

But, if one put oneself in the other's position, what would you do ? How would you do it differently or contribute to improve the issue?

Think positive and take affirmative action. Ask not what the country can do for you but what you can do for the country! If one thinks one can do a better job, go for it! Every task and job needs hard work so don't begrudge the person who has worked for it.

Being a whiner who only complains and does nothing else is not contributing to society. Worse, the whining is detrimental to the country.

Does one think it is easy to run a family or corporation, let alone the country ? Have those who tend to complain and blame tried bringing up successful families or communities?

I think before anyone complains or blames another, they should think about the issues and the values we want to have. Define those values that we as Malaysians would be proud to have.

What are these values? What is the Malaysian that we want to be? Penny for your thoughts.