Malaysians of all ethnic groups, and all walks of life, will go to the polls to decide the destiny of our nation. It is a rare occasion when all citizens, regardless of race, creed, social standing, political affiliation and even physical handicap, are made to feel equal in exercising their constitutional rights.

Over the last 50 years, under BN’s rule, the nation made great strides. From an underdeveloped agricultural country we have become a prosperous industrialised nation and are at the brink of becoming a developed nation by 2020. Our success story is our pride and an example for others to follow. The credit goes to our leaders for their foresight and wisdom and the relentless work of the people. We have never experienced the rule by any party other than the BN.

Although we have developed tremendously, like any country, we have our share of problems and setbacks, as well. The country is now plagued with problems of racial and religious polarisation, inflation, declining standards of education, high crime rate, immigrant problems, a sluggish civil service and corruption at the highest places.

The Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Agency and police have become subservient to the executive. The independence of the judiciary has been tremendously undermined and the Lingam tape scandal has cast serious doubts on its credibility as the custodian of justice. It appears to be tainted and chaotic at the highest levels. Even Parliament is not bold enough to debate issues that are of grave interest to the public and instead it has become a mere rubber stamp for the ruling party.

A once united country has become divided along racial and religious lines, and each community lives suspiciously within the confines of their own ethnicity. Human rights violations are on the rise, as are the blatant abuses of power by ‘little Napoleons’, at all levels of the administration. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are forbidden. Mass media, both print and electronic, are monopolised by the ruling party with only negative reports on opposition parties. There is much uncertainty regarding our future as a multi-racial and multi-religious nation .

It is within this scenario of an illustrious past and a gloomy present that Malaysians will vote in an election that will help the country chart a path to the future. They have to make the all important decision between continuity or change. In all previous elections the people opted for continuity, as they perceived that to be the means of stability, peace and prosperity. Can the party that has been in absolute power for the past 50 years and has contributed to all of our current ills be expected to solve them all in the next five years?

Malaysians today are more educated and better informed than before. They are more exposed to international politics - such as the current election in the US - and better appreciate the workings of democracy. As such, their demands and expectations from the government have increased tremendously and will continue to do so in the years to come. They are beginning to realise that there should be better checks and balances, as absolute power, if unchecked, will corrupt even the most righteous.

The political maturity of Malaysians should not be underestimated and their demands for transparency, accountability and fairness from the government they elect should not be overlooked. Our political parties must strive to offer better, more capable and credible candidates to meet the new challenges posed by a more literate and demanding electorate.

On the other hand, the time has come for the people to show their wisdom in voting only for those candidates with good track records, honesty, integrity and good moral values, and rejecting those who thrive on race politics and corruption and who do not have the welfare of the people at heart. They must use the election to send a clear and strong message to the leaders of the political parties that they are not willing to compromise these qualities in their wakil rakyat for anything whatsoever.

Malaysians must show their maturity by rising up to reject money politics. Those who succumb to bribery and vote buying are committing greater crime than those who offer them. They should not allow greed and selfishness and fall prey to such unscrupulous tactics. Rather, they should place the national interests above theirs.

Our politicians, especially the veterans and those riddled with all types of scandals, refuse to step down gracefully, even if they’re not wanted anymore. They cling to power by all means available to them. Money politics is the order of the day - millions of ringgit are dished out, all sorts of development projects are launched and goodies are promised at the last minute, in an attempt to fish for votes. If this is not institutionalised bribery then what is it?

The future of the nation is in our hands, as we are given the opportunity to decide its destiny. This time around, let our votes be based on honesty, integrity and, above all, a candidate’s ability to effectively champion our causes, regardless of race or religion. Let us vote to send the best to Parliament, so that the issues confronting the nation can be debated in a civil and democratic way, without fear or prejudice.

We cannot, and should not, expect better outcomes if we continue to support the same old system.

To cure the ills we have today in our country we must strive to effect change. To bring about that change may not be that easy, it may be a monumental task, but there must be a beginning for all good things to happen. Why shouldn't it be now? It is now in our hands to make that change - do we have the will and courage to do so?