Times Have Changed, After All
Looking at today's chaotic political arena, the older generation cannot help but miss very much the selfless devotion, as well as the passions for politics of the ambitious politicians in those days.
By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily
MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat's recently said that: “Party activities could not always be only karaoke singing contests.” This has reminded me of the 1950s and 1960s.
There were two ideologies during that time – the Left and the Right. The coalition formed by MCA, Umno and Indian National Congress was the Right while the Malayan People's Socialist Front formed by the Labour Party of Malays and The Malaysian People's Party was the Left.
I can still remember that although all my playmates were only kids at that time, because we have been imperceptibly influenced by what we constantly saw and heard, we had factions among ourselves. Those who came from rich families (such as owning a grocery store) would be grouped into the Right.
| "Today, people seem to disdain to join politics." |
Labour Party of Malays stressed on mass line and it was strongly supported by grassroots. It had a branch in our village and ambitious young people paid regular visits there. The party branch offered various classes like Malay and Chinese Languages classes.
There was no karaoke at that time. But young people would gathered there to sing and dance together. They even formed a cultural troupe and during Women's Days and Labour Days, they built a temporary stage to present a variety of cultural performances.
On the other hand, MCA did the same. Both the parties emphasised on “serving the masses”. In order to fight for the people's support, they approached to villagers, digging trenches, paving roads, constructing bridges and building houses.
And the general elections, once every five years, was a social movement of general mobilization. Agitative mass rallies were always packed.
However, things changed. Today, people seem to disdain to join politics. It is not because politicians are no longer ambitious, instead, it is because politics is getting closer and closer to power and at the same time, drifting father and farther from the masses.
Looking at today's chaotic political arena, the older generation cannot help but miss very much the selfless devotion, as well as the passions for politics of the ambitious politicians in those days.
Times have changed, after all.
