LETTER | 2021 was supposed to be the year after Malaysia turned into a developed nation. It flew by, and we are now entering 2022. Many things have happened in a country that is still trying to find its identity especially, socially. The identity-tweaking is a work-in-progress.
The pandemic and the floods were really God-sent, and we were able to see how we handled (or mishandled) national issues. The Keluarga Malaysia slogan was put in practice by the rakyat in the recent floods. I reserve my comments on the 'kayangan' folks.
Be that as it may, let it be a lesson learnt. Let us now look forward to a better future.
What will be the resolution for the new year?
Everyone has to play their part to produce a cohesive society. The rakyat has shown the way, and it is now for everyone, including those at the highest levels, to emulate and do their part for a better Malaysia.
We need people to plan and act in the best interest of the country. We need somebody to guide and show us the way forward and not backwards. We need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need leaders who stand by their words and not just give justifications.
We do not want to see leaders fighting each other, especially from the same group - like the pot calling the kettle black - for it is not a good precedent and will lose focus in leading the country. Get expert opinions and share responsibilities and no more working in silos and special advisors may not be fully equipped.
We need leaders and not actors, and not to come and sweep our floors but sweep all the dirt from under the carpet and lead us to a path to a better future.
And for us, the rakyat, we need to give due respect, but respect has to be earned. We must learn not to ask too many favours from the leaders since their salaries are not meant for us.
If we do so, it will encourage money politics. There are sufficient allocations in the National Budget if done justifiably. We are sorry if we cannot hold umbrellas for leaders since we also have work to do in helping nation-building.
A climatologist, Professor Dr Fredolin Tangang from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said the flooding in Malaysia has been on the rise since 20 years ago, with losses amounting to over RM8 billion. We need boats to be supplied to flood-prone areas and not another skyscraper to reach the sky while floods on the ground inundate us.
We are eagerly waiting for clear directions to assist in achieving national objectives.
For most, our savings have been used and please do not ask us to withdraw our savings for old age. Please think of something not to burden us more.
Those in the civil service, please understand the situation the country is in now.
We need your help to uncover misdeeds in the administration. A rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel, but now there are too many that will bring the country down. Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile. To look smart, we need to cut our coats according to our cloth, and what is earned with hard labour is eaten with pleasure.
We understand some of you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea but would you rather cry over spilt milk. Some say lightning never strikes (the same place) twice, but that is happening in our country now too often.
In Keluarga Malaysia, blood is thicker than water and your endeavour to put things right is better late than never. And Malaysians, remember, it takes two to tango.
And to our leaders again, leave the blowing of trumpets to musicians and please don't bite the hand that feeds you. Lastly, curses, like chickens, come home to roost.
To all Malaysians, have a sparkling new year and may the new year bring you peace, joy and happiness. We made it through this year because of you.
What say you?
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
