Election 2008 : Let's do our duty

Defining moments for the nation

It is a day away when Malaysians will go to the polls. After 50 years we have finally reached the crossroads and the moment has come for us to decide whether we want to continue navigating the same course or make a change for what we believe will mark the dawn of a new era in Malaysian history.

There is no doubt that the since independence BN government had given tremendous development and progress. Many of us owe the government for our successes in life. Unfortunately the opportunities that were available to us then are not there anymore for our children.

Unfair and discriminatory policies have deprived our children the opportunities to excel in their own country. At the same time, the government, is also directly or indirectly the cause of the numerous problems that plague the nation today. These are due to the uninterrupted rule with absolute power of the BN government over 50 years.

History has shown that any government if given absolute power for too long tends to becomes arrogant and corrupt. It tends to breed nepotism, cronyism, favoritism and finally it loses touch with the masses. Its leaders become surrounded by powerful ‘yes men’ who would glorify the leader for whatever he does, even if it is wrong and disastrous.

A system that has been in power for too long needs a jolt of their conscience to bring them back to reality that the people at the grassroots are not pleased with their performance. It needs a better check and balance system in the form of a strong and effective opposition in parliament.

Over the last 10 days or so we have witnessed the vigorous campaigns of the various political parties and their candidates, each claiming to be the best. Each claim they have the best plans and strategies to bring the nation and the people to greater heights. Most of them have promised the heavens; bringing down oil prices, high minimum wages, allowance for housewives, equal rights for all, free education, even free houses for the poor and so on. Some of these promises are too good to be true. In fact some of them are so ridiculous and are an insult to our intelligence and integrity.

During this campaign period we have noticed a sudden change in the attitude of our YB’s; have become so people-friendly, going visiting house to house, providing cash and other forms of aid and even attending funerals and so on. They virtually go down on their knees to beg for votes from the very people whom they ignored over the past 4 years in power. How we wish we had elections every year.

Many of us would have already decided on whom to vote but there is still a large number who depend on the ongoing political ceramahs to make up their minds. Well the politicians can say and do what they want but the final decision is with us, the voters. We should not be taken away by these empty promises and humble acts which are just political gimmicks to win votes. Instead we must be mature enough to analyse the good and bad of what they had pledged and after evaluating their merits and practicality, come up with a clear mind on whom to vote.

This election is not so much about peace, prosperity and security, which we all already enjoy, thanks to the BN government. It is also not so much about business and physical development which we have in abundance, thanks again to the BN government.

Rather the 12^th General Election it is more so about electing a government:

1.With a better check and balance so that it will use its powers wisely and solely for the benefit of the people, a government that respects and committed to human rights and empathizes with and strive to uplift the well-being of the all marginalized citizens regardless of race and religion.

2. That will not bulldoze its policies against the wishes of the people without prior proper and adequate consultation and debate.

3. That will treat parliament as the rightful place to make policies

4. That will respect the independence of the civil service, judiciary and police.

5. That will be transparent and accountable to the people in all its dealings that expends huge amount of the taxpayer’s money.

6. Will respect the sanctity of the Federal Constitution and abide by the provisions therein

This election is primarily about stopping the BN government of 50 years from abusing the absolute power it had been entrusted all these years. From a humble beginning it has become an aggressive giant ready to crush anyone whore dares to cross its path.

As we step into the polling booths on March 8, let us cast aside all the promises made by the political candidates, and walk in with a clear mind on the choice of the candidate and party. There may be many temptations to change our minds at the final hours before casting our votes. We must not allow these monetary rewards sway our decisions at the last moment.

Rather let our wisdom, intellect and love for the nation alone decide on that important act of where to place the “X” in the ballot papers. It may take us just a single minute to do that but that that solitary minute in total secrecy would be the defining moment that is going to determine the destiny of our nation.

Casting out vote is our constitutional right and we must take great pains to fulfill that responsibility of ours with full patriotism and diligence. Let’s not be complacent but go out in full force to fulfill our national duty on March 8.

Happy voting and Hidup Malaysia.

Dr.Chris Anthony