The semblance of change
If we do see a change of government come the next general election, what happens the day after? Do we suddenly become race blind and see each other just as Malaysians? Do we accept that traffic fine and not try to bribe that police officer? And, do we take a taxi home and not get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated?
Adam Netto
Recently, while planning a night out with a German friend of mine, the topic of drink driving in Malaysia, specifically in Kuala Lumpur, came up. As I tried my best to answer the various questions leveled at me like, “Don’t you have strict laws prohibiting this?” or “Are taxis really expensive in Malaysia?“ It dawned on me. The answer is simple. We are selfish.
Basically, we want the comfort of driving to the bar/club, we want to drink and be merry like everyone else and once the night is over, we want to drive home regardless of the danger we pose to other motorists.
And that, in my opinion, is the problem with most Malaysians today. We scream for change but we are not prepared to do so ourselves. We blame the present government for the racial nature of our politics today but we still inquire about the race of a criminal as if that played a role in his/her crime. We blame the present government over the rampant corruption in everyday life but still offer the police officer a bribe instead of taking the fine. We dislike the system where contracts, scholarships etc. are not always awarded based on merit but have no problems using our very own contacts to further personal interests.
If we do see a change of government come the next general election, what happens the day after? Do we suddenly become race blind and see each other just as Malaysians? Do we accept that traffic fine and not try to bribe that police officer? And, do we take a taxi home and not get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated? Maybe it is time we stop screaming and heed the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “Be the change we want to see in the world“.
