Elections 2008 : A victory for racial unity

A victory for racial unity

The 12^th General Elections was the defining moment in the history of our nation. It was a day when the opposition parties, by a rare show of unity among them, succeeded in denying the BN a 2/3 majority in parliament. It brought mixed feelings among the people and the various political parties. To the ruling BN it was a bitter victory that could not be celebrated but to the opposition a sweet success that was considered impossible just weeks before. Nevertheless in general it was a victory for democracy and Malaysians as a whole. Most significantly it was a victory for racial unity that is very much needed these days.

In fact Malaysians in general were encouraged by the unprecedented unity among the supporters of the various parties especially in the opposition. Who would have imagined Malays and non-Malays going out in large numbers to vote for the DAP and PAS respectively? Who would have imagined Malays and Chinese shouting “Makkal Sakthi” at the top of their voices as though it was their common battle cry? It was unthinkable before but this election had proved that racial integration is a reality and can be achieved if there is a political will. It was a show of courage and maturity of the people who proved that if the need arises they can unite to achieve even the impossible.

It was with great difficulties the coalition, comprising DAP,PKR and PAS was formed, which brought them the victory which was considered to be an impossible dream. PKR adviser,Anwar Ibrahim must be commended for his role in the establishment of the coalition and the racial unity that prevailed throughout the campaign. In fact during the final days before the election one could feel the air of goodwill and comradeship among the races which was never felt before. The ‘rocket’ and the ‘moon’ symbols that were taboo to the Malays and the Chinese respectively became their household favorites.

The people were willing to put aside their differences, rose above racial division, just to vote for change Unlike before the ethnicity of the candidate did not matter, they voted as long as he was from the opposition. The original aim was just to deny the BN a 2/3 majority in parliament but in the process they were pleasantly rewarded with 5 states to govern as well. The results were unbelievable and there much joy and jubilation. The people were rightly rewarded for their exceptional unity that was unprecedented since merdeka. We are familiar with the slogan ‘Unity is strength’ but it was not until Election Day did the people realize the real meaning of that strength. In fact if unity was strength, then unity in diversity was even greater strength.

However this unexpected reward put to test the goodwill and unity that was established before the elections and unfortunately they seem to be failing in that test so soon after the victory. The squabble for the post of Perak Menteri Besar and the EXCO seats is a disgrace and shame for what the coalition stood for - eradicating race politics. The people were united and ready to rid of race politics but apparently the politicians are not. Instead of capitalizing on the prevalent positive mood of the people to further promote integration, they shamelessly succumbed to selfish racial interests.

The leaders must realize that this time around the people had risen above race and religion to vote for the opposition. The overwhelming victory for the DAP,PKR and PAS is due to the votes from all races,otherwise was no way they could have beaten the mighty BN. In return it is only fair the politicians keep their promise to stay together as one in thick and thin to serve all the people regardless of race and religion and strive to eradicate race politics once and for all. If the need arises, they should put the interest of the people above those of their parties as in a democratic system the people are the ones who matter most. The voters not the voted are the real masters.

The most important prerequisite for the coalition to succeed is mutual trust, which sad to say is badly lacking. Unless they consciously cultivate this trust, the coalition would be heading for doom. The various parties may have serious differences in ideology but that should not be translated into mistrust. How can the coalition develop into future force when PAS and DAP cannot sit down to discuss their commonness and differences?

The Malays,Chinese and Indians,Muslims and non-Muslims are here to stay and as citizens we must adapt ourselves to live together in peace and harmony. This is a must not an option. That may need some compromise on all parties and whether we like it or not that is the only way.

We have lived together for 50 years and during this period we have attained many changes in our lives. Each community had acquired certain rights and characteristics which cannot be questioned anymore. These include the position of the Malay rulers, special rights of Malays, the status of Islam and Bahasa Malaysia. The Malays are the predominant race in the country.

There is no point in going back to the sixties but it would be wiser to move forward from here. The elders must make way for the younger generation to re-negotiate a new charter among the races to craft a new future for them as Malaysians where not race and religion, but national loyalty and merits alone, will be the determining factors in the availability of opportunities to excel.

This election has revealed that the younger generation of Malaysians has attained the maturity, intellect and wisdom to do away with race politics once and for all. Let not the politicians ruin this opportunity that the recent electoral victory has created. We detested the concept of Ketuanan Melayu before,therefore let us not work towards creating Ketuanan Cina or Ketuanan India but Ketuanan Malaysia.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Opposition coalition doomed?

Yesterday it was DAP,today PKR.Looks like only PAS can be trusted.Is this what we voted for?
The same old race politics.All politicians are the same.How are you different from the BN?

Does the DAP want to replace the Ketuanan Melayu,the very concept it condemned,with Ketuanan Cina?

Come on put racial issues behind and concentrate on nation building.You are not going to go anywhere,except to the opposition benches, if you continue with such petty squabbles.Remember the BN just needs 2 more seats to form the government.

PAS is here to stay and the DAP must adopt to live with them and with other races as well.The sooner it does that the better for all.


Dr.Chris Anthony




PKR threatens to pull out of Perak state gov't

Malaysiakini Mar 13, 08 1:52pm

Just as one fire has been doused in Perak over the appointment of a PAS man as the new mentri besar post, another one is taking place.

PKR has today threatened to pull out from the Perak coalition government on hearing that eight of the 10 executive council posts will go to DAP while the remaining two going to other parties.

In a statement issued by PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali, the opposition party expressed its objection to “the agreement made between PAS and DAP with regards to the composition of the Perak state exco”.

“In the spirit of sincere openness, we stress that the composition of the exco must reflect the composition of the population of Perak and represent the interests of all ethnic groups fairly,” said Syed Husin.

“We ask that this composition be discussed again and if the composition is not altered to the satisfaction of all parties involved, PKR will not take part in the administration of Perak.”

However, he said that PKR will honour its agreement to support the coalition government.

According to available statistics, Malays represent 53.7 percent of the population in Perak, Chinese (31.4 percent) and Indians (13 percent).

It is believed that an earlier agreement between the three parties was for the 10 exco posts to be distributed among them where DAP will have six, PKR two and PAS two.

In last Saturday’s general election, the opposition won an unprecedented 31 of 59 state seats - DAP 18, while PKR has seven and PAS six. The remaining 28 are in the hands of BN, with Umno 27 and MCA 1.

According to Syed Husin, PKR accepts Sultan Azlan Shah’s decision to appoint PAS state assemblyman, Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, as menteri besar of Perak.

“While at first we stressed the need to choose an individual that will be well received by the majority, we now accept the decision in the spirit of cooperation between PKR, PAS and DAP as well as in the interests of stability and harmony for Perak and for the whole of Malaysia.”

Furore in Perak

Yesterday, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang created a furore when he said DAP would boycott the swearing-in ceremony today in protest against Nizar’s appointment as mentri besar.

However, in a dramatic reversal this morning, he apologised for any offence caused to the Perak royalty over his statement, which he said was not made out of disrespect to the Perak sultan and regent.

Meanwhile, state DAP chairperson and Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham told Malaysiakini that all the party’s elected representatives will attend the swearing in ceremony before the Sultan of Perak in Kuala Kangsar at 4pm.

DAP should accept MB from PAS

Coalition members must have trust

It was with deep regret and sadness I read the report, Lim: DAP rejects Nizar as MB.

The Perak State Constitution must be respected and its provisions honored at all times. As it stipulates The Menteri Besar (MB) must be a Malay Muslim, it has be so. The Sultan may waive this condition if conditions require so. This would apply if any party obtains a majority to form the government by itself.

Unfortunately this was not the case as the DAP secured only 18 out of the 59 seats. In this case the best Malay Muslim candidate must be chosen, regardless from which party he comes, as they are all members of the coalition that won the election. If Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin,from PAS is the most eligible so be it.

It was with great difficulties that we formed the coalition among DAP,PKR and PAS.that brought us the victory which we thought would be impossible. Why throw it down the drain so fast? Even if DAP does not favour PAS it has to give in for the sake of the coalition’s long term success.

The most important prerequisite for the coalition to succeed is trust, which sad to say is lacking especially in DAP.Lim Kit Siang should allow a free hand to his leaders in Perak to work out the deal and stick by it. If the DAP continues with the boycott, I am afraid BN will take over the rule. Remember BN has 28 seats.

DAP should accept PAS candidate if it wants the coalition to survive.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Lim: DAP rejects Nizar as MB

Mar 12, Malaysiakini 08 8:19pm

While the long-drawn debate on who should be the Perak mentri besar finally came to an end today, an unexpected twist came in the form of DAP leader Lim Kit Siang who said that his party had not approved PAS’ Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin to lead the state.

“The decision to appoint a PAS assemblyperson Mohamad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak mentri besar has caused shock and consternation to DAP leaders, members and supporters,” he said in a brief statement today.

The statement came just hours after it was announced in Ipoh that the Regent of Perak has agreed on Nizar’s appointment.

Earlier Nizar, state DAP chairperson and Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Khoo Ham and PKR’s Behrang assemblyperson Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi had met with Regent Raja Nazrin Shah.

Ngeh and Jamaluddin were the two other candidates vying for the post.

The three of them later told a press conference that the regent had agreed with Nizar’s appointment as well as the appointment of Ngeh as deputy menteri besar (1) and an Indian candidate - to be named later - as deputy menteri besar (2).

Lim however in a five-paragraph statement released today said that the DAP was only prepared to accept either Ngeh or Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi as Perak mentri besar.

He added that at a March 9 meeting - the day after Saturday's polls - the party leadership only gave approval for the formation of a Perak coalition government comprising 18 DAP assembly members, seven PKR assemblypersons and six PAS assemblypersons.

According to him, the party did not give its consent to the appointment of a PAS leader to helm the state.

Lim ticked off by supporters

Lim also said that as such all DAP Perak assemblypersons would stay away from the swearing-in ceremony for Perak mentri besar scheduled tomorrow.

When contacted for an immediate reaction, Nizar said: “We believe that as a coalition government, all decisions will be collective.”

“We would not respond to comments being made outside the new coalition government," he added.

Previously, Ngeh had told reporters that all three parties would respect the decision of the sultan and cooperate to form the new state government.

Efforts by Malaysiakini to reach Ngeh has been unsuccessful.

Lim's statement has been posted in his personal blog, and it received 100-odd responses from readers within 90 minutes, a majority of which slammed the DAP leader for the decision.

Lessons from the 12th.General Elections

A victory for racial unity

March 8,2007 was the turning point in the history of our nation. It was a day when the opposition parties, by a rare show of unity among them, succeeded in denying the BN a 2/3 majority in parliament. It brought mixed feelings among the people and the various political parties. To the ruling BN it was a victory that could not be celebrated but to the opposition a sweet success that was considered impossible just weeks before. Nevertheless in general it was a victory for democracy and Malaysians as a whole.

Putting aside winning and losing, this general election revealed the development of an encouraging trend among the electorate, which is more educated and knowledgeable. The peaceful way the election campaign and the election itself were conducted revealed the maturity of the people and the politicians. It was gratifying to realize that by enlarge the candidates refrained from resorting to racial issues and character assassination to gain votes.

In fact Malaysians in general were encouraged by the unprecedented unity among the supporters of the various parties especially in the opposition. Who would have imagined Malays and non-Malays going out in large numbers to vote for the DAP and PAS respectively? Who would have imagined Malays and Chinese shouting “Makkal Sakthi” at the top of their voices? It was unthinkable before but this election had proved that racial unity is a reality and can be achieved if there is a political will. It was a show of courage and maturity of the people who proved that if the need arises they can unite to achieve even the impossible.

Another remarkable trend that unveiled was that the losers and the victors in this election were gracious to accept the will of the people. This was particularly so with former Penang Chief Minister,Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, who must be commended for his gentlemanly attitude in facing his defeat. In fact he was victorious even in defeat. The Prime Minister,Pak Lah, too was very gracious in facing the tremendous losses of his party on that day. According to him, accepting the people’s verdict, either favorable or otherwise, is what democracy all about. In the end the people’s interests is what is important not the politicians’.

Now the elections are over, it is time to move forward to serve the people. The BN must revamp itself to become more relevant to the masses. It has a formidable task to regain the confidence of the people. In this context it may be timely to seriously consider abolishing communal parties and paving the way for a multiracial BN in keeping with the demands of the rakyat.

It is time for all the political parties to fulfill their promises and pledges to the people. It is especially important for those ruling the states controlled by the opposition to immediately start working on those pledges. The humility and the people-friendliness that prevailed during the campaign must continue into the tenure of their rule. The people have voted for change and change they must see and experience, otherwise they may not hesitate to effect another change the next time around.

Dr.Chris Anthony

A victory for all

Oh, how sweet it is to be proven wrong!

Abdullah Junid Malaysiakini Mar 10, 08 6:18pm


Syabas, Malaysia! I've never been prouder to call myself a Malaysian than I am today. This is a win for the people of Malaysia more than anything else.

Like so many others, my heart wished for this result, but my head said the deep-seated fears and mutual suspicions nurtured by the Barisan Nasional and its predecessor would once again create second thoughts among most voters on the journey between their homes and the polling booths.

Oh, how sweet it is to be proven wrong! How sweet to show the world that we as a people have a backbone and we have a real democracy.

This is also a win above all else for Anwar Ibrahim. The journey from being a beaten - literally and figuratively - wheelchair-bound figure to becoming the de facto leader of this group of gutsy people who have shaken the previously unshakeable BN machine to the core is nothing short of remarkable, the stuff legends are made off.

As some would say, the man can take a licking - but he keeps on ticking!

It was Anwar's clarion call of teformasi, defiantly and in the face of a dictator who would stoop to anything to retain power, in the 1990s that triggered everything that has eventually resulted in this triumph. Anwar irrelevant? The BN folk should practise their stand-up comedy skills!

Kudos too to Lim Kit Siang and his merry band of DAP-per brothers and sisters. Kit - who should have been made a Tun a long time ago - has toiled on the thankless opposition bench for decades. A lesser man would have packed it in a long time ago, but his fire burns as bright as ever.

There's just one more reward left for Kit - to see him as a member of the cabinet. That looks like a real possibility on this historic day, though he'll have to hang around until the next election for that to happen. Heck, after 30 or so years, what's another four or five?

A shout out too to other opposition stalwarts such as Karpal Singh and Tan Seng Giaw, Kit's equally determined and long-suffering brothers-in-arms.

A word too for PAS. They kept their end of the bargain - trouncing the BN in Kelantan and put up a strong fight in Terengganu - as well as leading the charge and winning in Kedah, and denying the BN valuable seats elsewhere in the country.

But most of all, this one is for the scores of thousands who took to the streets for Bersih and Hindraf. They showed that there is really no reason to fear anything. They led the way in this brave attempt by Malaysians to take back their country.

When a massive structure has been in place for decades, it cannot - and frankly should not - be brought down in one attempt. The nuts and bolts holding things in place are deeply embedded, and the first order of business is to remove the outer shell first.

The BN's outer shell has been removed. Now, the opposition parties have to start working on infiltrating the core. And if you really examine today's results, the BN core may not be too formidable at all.

More than 50 of the BN's 135-odd seats came from East Malaysia. In fact, these are the seats that the ruling coalition relied on to retain power. The opposition parties must now focus their efforts on making major inroads into Sabah and Sarawak.

In West Malaysia, it is Johor and Pahang that have provided the firewall for the BN. And these are the states the opposition needs to start working on earnestly. Take away these four big states in East and West Malaysia, and suddenly the BN is a pretty spent force.

But the opposition parties too need to be careful and deliberate in the way they move forward. This win will mean nothing four years down the road if they don't do things carefully.

One of the most important things to remember will be that the foundation of this nation remains the Malays and Malay culture. As go the Malays, so goes the nation. It is important that this fact is remembered and always kept in mind when the three opposition parties negotiate their way forward from here.

It is particularly important that the DAP should reassure the Malays that they are not just a Chinese party at heart. And it is not just words that will do the trick. Deeds are important.

The state that all eyes will be on is probably going to be Perak. Kedah and Kelantan will naturally have Malay first ministers, while Penang naturally lends itself to a Chinese No 1. But Perak is a trickier proposition, and it would be advisable for the DAP, despite winning the most state seats, to make way for a Malay menteri besar, preferably from the PKR.

Also tricky, if only for symbolic reasons, is the post of opposition leader. Since PKR won the largest number of seats, they have a claim to appoint the opposition leader. But here again, magnanimity and the spirit of ‘Malaysianess’, I suggest that the PKR should step aside and support Kit to continue as the opposition leader. Any other choice will come across as being distasteful and lacking class.

Finally, a word for Umno. It would be foolish to write them off as a spent force. They'll still be running this country, and if they are smart enough, they'll retool, haul themselves into the 21st century and remain a potent force.

If they don't resort to any hanky-panky in the coming days, they'll deserve praise for respecting the country's democratic system despite all the ills that have diseased this grand old party.

A new dawn for the nation

Time to rid of politics of race

"The people have voted decisively for a new era where the government must be truly inclusive and recognise that all Malaysians, regardless of race, culture or religion are a nation of one.

"We have enough Malay leaders, we have enough Chinese leaders, and we have enough Indian leaders in the opposition fighting against corruption and poor governance. You can't have that (communalism) anymore. It's not relevant anymore."

"Tomorrow, we start to build a brighter future hand-in-hand, shoulder to shoulder. This is a new dawn for Malaysia".

These are the words of Anwar Ibrahim,the man who has charted a new course for Malaysia.He has steered the nation away from communalism onto a course of multi-racialism.

Yes,we have enough leaders from all races and together let us start to build a brighter future hand in hand,shoulder to shoulder and above all whole-heartedly for the future of our children. We have to build the future where our future generations will be able to share in the common brotherhood of the nation. The task is arduous but it has to begin someday, why not it be today?

As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The world is big enough for all of us". There is no need to fight each other as there is plenty for for all.

Martin luther king once said,"I have a dream, a dream that one day the sons of slaves and the sons of their masters would sit down together as equal".The Americans are closer to realisng that dream with possibly Barrack Obama in the White House.

Let's all share a common dream that our children will one day be able to proudly call themselves not as Malay,Chinese or Indian but Malaysians.Let's strive to make that Malaysian dream a reality.

Dr.Chris Anthony

Jubilant Anwar hails new dawn for M'sia

Fauwaz Abdul Aziz Malaysiakini Mar 9, 08 5:21pm

PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim described the victory of the opposition parties in five states and its breach of Barisan Nasional's two-thirds majority in Parliament as "a defining moment" in the nation's history.

"The people have voted decisively for a new era where the government must be truly inclusive and recognise that all Malaysians, regardless of race, culture or religion are a nation of one," he told a packed press conference at his residence in Kuala Lumpur last night.

"The people have expressed in no uncertain terms that they want accountability, transparency and the rule of law," he said.

"Tomorrow, we start to build a brighter future hand-in-hand, shoulder to shoulder. This is a new dawn for Malaysia," he added.

Flanked by PKR deputy-president Dr Syed Husin Ali and party information chief Tian Chua, Anwar said among the first items on the agenda is to get down to the business of forming the state governments together with DAP and PAS.

This includes the issue of who will be chosen to lead as the respective chief minister or menteris besar of the various states now under the opposition parties, he said.

"Unless the party has an absolute majority, we will have to consult with our partners," he added.

Asked about whether PKR and its allies would hold any victory celebrations or rallies in the coming days, Anwar said its leaders and those of PAS and DAP have decided this would not be advisable "in light of the shock among Umno and BN members".

Up to BN to decide on Pak Lah

On what he thought of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's future given BN's dismal performance, Anwar said the fate of both Abdullah and his deputy Najib Razak was up to BN to decide internally.

However, he said a large part of the reason for BN component parties' defeats is because of arrogance and the policies of Umno.

On his own plans given the expiry on April 15 of his five-year ban from official politics, Anwar said this was among the things he has to deliberate on in due time.

"Whether (or not) I will choose to run in May, I have to decide a bit later. Forming a state government is not a small matter," he said.

Asked how he feels, Anwar expressed a sense of vindication after a large portion of the people expressed their preference for the opposition parties.

"I feel vindicated, not by the court of law of 'correct, correct, correct,' but by Malaysians at large," he said in reference to the words uttered by senior lawyer VK Lingam in the 'Lingam tape.'

Anwar also said he was glad his wife PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had emerged triumphant in her parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh in Penang.

Opposition now a credible alternative

A jubilant Anwar said the opposition now had to prove it was a credible alternative to the coalition which has completely dominated Malaysian politics for half a century.

PKR won 31 seats for the biggest opposition presence in the new 222-seat parliament, from just one in the outgoing parliament.

Meanwhile, DAP won 28 and the Islamic party PAS, 23.

Anwar said the results exploded Malaysia's race-based political structure, under which parties have traditionally represented individual ethnic groups.

"The opposition that has been voted in is a truly multi-racial party. It is a fantastic setup," he said.

The biggest triumph of the 12^th general election, he said further, was the feeling that Malaysians had overcome communal considerations, voted less on racial grounds but on issues of good governance.

Political comeback

He also dismissed worries regarding the lack of experience in governing among the opposition parties as well as fears that opposition victories would usher in a period of instability and conflicts.

"We have enough Malay leaders, we have enough Chinese leaders, and we have enough Indian leaders in the opposition fighting against corruption and poor governance. You can't have that (communalism) anymore. It's not relevant anymore," he said.

He also dodged questions on the many accusations cast against him by various quarters in the days leading up to the general election pertaining to his actions while heading the ministries of education, finance, and as deputy prime minister.

"You have these allegations, you have to substantiate that. I don't want to dwell on that. Not in victory. I will deal with it (such questions), if necessary at the appropriate time," he added.

The stunning election results yesterday has cemented Anwar's political comeback after being sacked and jailed a decade ago.

The performance has even revived talk of the charismatic 60-year-old as a future prime minister, after the lost decade that followed his 1998 fall from grace when he was convicted on sex and corruption charges.

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