I had the opportunity to visit the heart of the American law-making institution in Washington DC, the US Capitol. I was taken on a short tour to see the spectacular architecture and the ornate painting of George Washington on the rotunda of the capitol.

The majestic US Capitol is the symbol of the nation’s system of government - a government of the people, for the people, by the people. We were told that when the House is in session, any citizen can walk in to listen to the debates. This is the right of every US citizen. Since it is a government of the people, for the people and by the people - anyone can walk in to listen to their representatives.

Malaysia who boasts being a democracy has recently witnessed unprecendented oppression where the rakyat is not even allowed to enter the Parliament House. The senators and wakil rakyats forget that it is the rakyat who put them there. After 50 years in power, it seems that the BN government does not need the rakyat anymore. Their voice, albeit the minority, is not respected or needed.

The FRU and the Royal Malaysian Police who are supposed to protect the rakyat are serving the interests of the ruling government. The rakyat cannot even hold peaceful assembly or have any channel to voice their dissatisfactions. The weak and the minority are marginalised. Those with connections can obtain business deals while those who are not connected are sidelined.

Our once respected government and constitution have been soiled by the dirty hands of those in power over the last 25 years. The people have lost all voice and affinity to the government of the day. It is time for change.