THE CICAK.com

Borrowing Barack Obama’s line for Malaysia: Change we can believe in

By NGAI JIN TIK

Although I am about two years shy from exercising the right to vote, I was glued to the coverage of the elections on TV until the wee hours of morning. 5 am to be exact. Surprisingly, not even the live football matches could steer my attention away from witnessing an unprecedented political tsunami that took Malaysia by storm on a day I billed as “Super Saturday.”

Unlike other advanced countries where parties breathe down each other’s necks, the political climate here had always been dormant. With the exception of the infamous GE in 1969, the outcome was a foregone conclusion even before Malaysians put away those ballot papers. This was the subtle reality until the 2008 elections.

The tide could not have turned faster, could it?

What I found utterly amazing is the fact that Malaysians, transcending race and religion, had demonstrated such togetherness to decide for their future. The thumping majorities parties like DAP enjoyed in Penang, Perak and Selangor were testaments to this. It was almost as if we had all secretly convened and conspired to pull out such a magnificent display of Makkal Sakti – the People’s Power.

But no, that scenario is simply not feasible. We can think for ourselves and decide what is best for our future. Our children’s future. The country’s future.

I believe that Malaysians seek change not just for the sake of change. “Change: We Can Believe In” is not just a Barack Obama inspired political rhetoric. It is a preposition that we spent time thinking about it, talking about it, praying about it. As effortless as it was for Malaysians to physically cast that ballot, it is worth noting that the sentiments or the “mood” on the ground have been welling up for years.

At the end of the day, it had to be the issues that fundamentally affect us that prevailed in the minds of the rakyat. Inflation, corruption, soaring crime rates etc. Not just some juicy stories of leaders involved in sex scandals or some thoughtless, blunt remarks uttered in the parliament. The unique thing is, we Malaysians do not fancy taking our emotions out on the streets. Yes, doing the Bersih rally is not our thing. We are practical people and yet not naïve. We let the ballots do the talking.

All in all, the 8th of March saw the triumph of Malaysian democracy. It is very much alive and real, contrary to foreign media opinions. But the challenges lying ahead of us are daunting and enormous. The big questions remain. Can the opposition coalition work hand in hand with the federal government? Can the young wakil rakyats step up to the plate and deliver? How are the lives of us Malaysians going to be altered?

Anwar Ibrahim said that this would be a new dawn for Malaysia. Personally, it does not matter who ultimately takes over the helm. All we want is a complete transformation that translates the people’s mandate into security, abundant economic and education opportunities and progress. Malaysia for all Malaysians.

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NGAI JIN TIK is a contributing writer for theCICAK.

Jin Tik is an A-levels student aspiring to study at a prestigious university abroad. A former state debater, he finds satisfaction in intellectual discussions. His favorite pastimes include playing football, golfing and reading.