I write this with a extremely heavy heart. I have never been patriotic to Malaysia at any point in my life. I have never recited the Rukunegara.
But today, after years of reading about the injustices that happen in our country, from politicians lining their pockets, the awarding of contracts to cronies, senior officials being charged with corruption and the mud-slinging between Anwar and Najib, my heart truly aches for our country Malaysia. Our failure lies in the fact that when we gained independence, we got it at a price, the price of racial segregation.
Politicians used our race to polarise us. They told the Malays that they would be given privileges but only to lull them into a false sense ownership. Instead, they enriched a select group of Malays. They used race politics to keep us all in fear that if anyone talked about it, there would be bloodshed.
Instead of governing, they allowed corruption to become so imbedded in our society that today, almost nothing is done without money having to change hands. We are heading down the path of self-destruction.
The root of our problems lie with our politicians. They become politicians not to serve the people but to enrich themselves. When they are suspended to investigate alleged wrongdoings, they would rather quit. Why? In any developed and transparent society, when you are accused of something, you are usually put on leave while an investigation takes place to determine your innocence.
No one is suggesting that you did something wrong but all politicians have to understand that you are elected to serve the people. You have to hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else. You cannot even be seen to be corrupt or involved in any wrongdoings and if you are, you should step aside and let your name be cleared and then return to your post.
There are so many things that are fundamentally wrong with Malaysia that I am pretty certain that we cannot reverse the slide we are heading towards. The basic things that any government should be able to provide are not provided.
Education to all, clean water, electricity, hospitals, road and public transport to name a few. I ask you to name one thing in Malaysia that actually works? I can’t really think of one (maybe I'm cynical so I can’t see it).
Darwin's theory of evolution is on-going in Malaysia. Look at Singapore, a society that helps the best has become a developed nation while we have devolved by holding back our best with racist policies and laws.
If anyone wants to know why we are where we are, just look at what we have done wrong for the last 50 years and reverse it, then maybe we might have a chance. Vietnam which was a communist country in the 70s now brings in more FDI than Malaysia. Where do you think we are going to be in 10 years?
Which is why I cry for our country, Malaysia. Our beautiful Malaysia that is slowly bleeding to death while we can only stand and watch helplessly
