Saving Malaysia
Truth be told, PKR-DAP-PAS could have done a much better job of strengthening Pakatan Rakyat, ironing out the creases in the partnership. And Anwar could have certainly done a better job of settling disputes within PKR and growing his own party, instead of allowing it to drift. But is the much-vaunted Barisan Nasional any better?
The Malaysian Insider
Really, it does not matter if blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin has been turned or his reasons for giving pro-government TV3 access to his thoughts.
It is his right. He knew the risks that his words might be edited and all said and done, it is his personal opinion. Except that it’s an opinion that finally gelled with the government of the day and their sycophants.
Thing is, on the battlefield of life, we can either be dazzled by the glitter and glow of the enemy or stand by principles or do not succumb to become a traitor in the ranks.
It is a choice that God-fearing Malaysians have to make, not only during election season but every day.
So it is down to you and me to make our stand. We can’t abdicate that decision-making to RPK, Zaid Ibrahim, Zulkifli Noordin, Anwar Ibrahim, Najib Razak, Karpal Singh or Lim Guan Eng. They are politicians and opinion-makers but, ultimately, we decide if we want to believe them.
In the days since RPK explained the genesis of his statutory declaration which implicated the first family in the death of Altantuya Shaaribuu, there has been talk of the influential blogger selling out.
The second part to the TV3 interview which slammed Pakatan Rakyat as ineffective and dysfunctional also invited much comment.
His critics believe that he has sacrificed truth and principles for personal gain, much like the group of elected representatives who switched allegiance on the face of some perceived slight from Anwar or “disappointment”.
Truth be told, PKR-DAP-PAS could have done a much better job of strengthening Pakatan Rakyat, ironing out the creases in the partnership. And Anwar could have certainly done a better job of settling disputes within PKR and growing his own party, instead of allowing it to drift. But is the much-vaunted Barisan Nasional any better?
After more than 50 years, the ruling coalition is still an unequal partnership. There is Umno and the rest. What Umno says goes. Occasionally, the MCA and MIC try and flex their muscles but more often than not, politicians from the component parties are fighting for their own interests. And never in the name of being Malaysian that Tunku Abdul Rahman would have imagined.
Would Umno/BN have been willing to listen to minority groups if a strong Pakatan Rakyat was not on the scene? Would Christians or Hindus have been given the time of day if Umno/BN did not have competition for the vote?
All Malaysians have seen what unfettered political power has done to this country we love.
Rampant corruption, abuse of the system, rising racism and discrimination, flagrant disregard of the Federal Constitution, complete breakdown of institutions and institutional arrogance of Umno.
Beneath the veneer of normalcy, everything is not right in Malaysia. And who is keeping an eye as we slide down to mediocrity? The compromised mainstream media? The less-than-independent judiciary? The police?
Frustration about the direction Malaysia was headed resulted in many Malaysians voting with their conscience in March 2008. They had grown weary of broken promises of a broken system.
Has RPK’s interview changed anything? Have the ramblings of others who have changed their tune in recent weeks and months meant that Malaysia has been patched up well and good?
If we believe Malaysia is still broken, then it means that the conditions which made Malaysians abandon the BN style of governance is still in place. If we are convinced that Malaysia needs saving, then it is up to individuals to step up on a daily basis and push for change, no matter what the personal cost.
This was never RPK’s fight or Anwar’s job. This is our calling. Personalities come and personalities go, but the job of fighting injustice and standing up for the marginalised and oppressed and tackling racism and not allowing the looting of Malaysia is ours.
Stand firm. The task is bigger than one man, one vision. After all, leaders are signboards who show the way, but never ever go there themselves.
