As a young Malaysian, I'm equally excited, confused, sad and happy with the outcome of the 2008 general election. Growing up, I have grown accustomed and used to BN's style of ruling the country. Good or bad I'm not sure, but it somehow made me more tolerant to many issues, thinking of the larger picture an d the need to sacrifice for the 'greater good'.

Back to the election results, I'm excited like all, at the prospect of 'the dawn of new change', new ways, new mindsets of how our country will progress. This election showed that 'people power' is still in place and that all Malaysians matter to Malaysia..

That's the good part, the main thing I'm happy about. I mean, although I was all for BN, the new Selangor MB from PKR is clearly a more capable leader that Khir Toyo. More dynamic, has a proven track record, and the right mindset for progress. Not sure why was Khir chosen in the first place, but probably again that it was needed at that time to prove a crucial point - that Umno and BN are clean, that a clean, unheard of, down-to-earth person has a place in the government. Probably this was more important than having a capable person at helm.

Where (I'm more than happy) some ineffective BN candidates lost in the elections this time round, I'm equally sad that some 'clean/effective' and generally good candidates have gone down as well. Implicating that most voters didn’t really know what they were doing. More informed yes, but smarter, I don't think so.

It was more emotional votes that rational votes I think. All they heard is that there needs to be change, and they went all out to not vote BN ignoring who was contesting where. I mean Loh Gwo Burne taking down Lee Hwa Beng and Chew Mei Fun, Dr Pirdaus Ismail, Sothinathan all losing.

Not because they were not good or had failed just because of the 'lets just not cross the BN box’ mindset’ What is wrong with the people? I'm confused because the change was supposed to signify that our people have grown smarter, more informed and more vocal.

Being more informed and not smarter can mean that they can be easily swayed by those who ‘play’ the media better (like before).and this time round the opposition did. More savvy candidates, relevant campaigning styles, knowing how to use the all powerful unconventional mediums etc.

I'm truly happy with some wins by the opposition. The emergence of a new wave of politicians who are professional and passionate. But at the same time, I'm also sad that the opposition is also playing the same game as the old 'BN'. The only 'new politics' I see is in campaigning tactics.

No increase in petrol prices? No inflation? Come on. A little more understanding of basic economics would tell us that this is all not possible and even if at all possible it will be at the great sacrifice of other things.

But I think the opposition is still in a good position to contribute if they all remain true to their causes. I mean they have the privilege of learning from the trials and errors of BN so they should at the very least perform a little better. Not only as means for political survival but also for the sincere goodness of the people

The 'new dawn of change'? I think a lot more effort and thought needs to be put into place by both the now stronger opposition BN to achieve this. All said the current change represents a change in the Malaysian mindset. I wish all the elected BN and opposition candidates the best - don't disappoint us.