(BOOK REVIEW March 8: Time For Real Change by Kee Thuan Chye and Fellow Malaysians) Back in the 1960s, the general election campaign was an exciting time for children. In Ipoh where I was growing up at that time, political party campaigners would send cars with loudspeakers announcing their arrival on certain dates at specific venues.
Children like me were thrilled because we knew we were in for a great time. It meant free cinema shows out there in the neighbourhood field. A big screen would be put up and enthusiastic young viewers would be treated to a Hollywood film, invariably a Western.
If we were lucky, it would be John Wayne, all in magnificent black and white. Before the movie began, the campaigners would pass out free Consulate cigarettes. Naturally, they bypassed us eager beavers even though we thought we could tolerate a puff or two and feel “cool as the mountain spring”.
But that was two generations ago. These days, politics has become much more complicated. What were simple issues had been made complex.
In the days of old when Internet had yet to surface and television was still in its black and white splendour, it was a simple case of voting for “the Ship” (Alliance Party) or the other side with the “Buffalo head” symbol.
Fast forward to the 21st century, there are now more political groups thann we care to remember. Information has long been on the overload mode. The Internet super highway, 3G mobiles and other wired devices are utilised to tug at the ears of the masses
Unfortunately for Malaysia, written materials like books are still being shunned by the majority. At last count, official statistics put the number habit of Malaysians at eight to 12 books a year.
However, I suspect somebody at the Statistics Department was being over-generous. It is more like one to two books per person annually.
Thought-provoking essays
So it is a safe bet that one of the latest additions to the book market, “March 8: Time For Real Change” by Kee Thuan Chye and Fellow Malaysians will find a limited audience.
It is an upgraded and revised edition of the 2008 original. Still hot from the printing press, as they say, this book has some of the most thought-provoking essays and interviews about the current Malaysian political situation seen in recent years.
Kee has lit a beacon and its light is drawing fellow Malaysians who share his concern about the nation’s state of affairs to his corner.
In total, there are 42 articles spread over three sections, aptly labelled “Where We Are Now, Back To The Beginning” and “Where Do We Go From Here”.
It is heartening to learn that Malaysians of all races, creeds and professions have voiced their aspirations, good wishes and grievances about this country which they love so much.
Young and old, professionals and students have argued eloquently on the burning issues of the day. And these issues which are debated incessantly in coffeeshops, boardrooms and within the sanctity of one’s own home are about corruption, justice and education system and the rule of law.
Kee himself has contributed seven of the 42 articles in the book. One of the most interesting was his interview with Lim Guan Eng, the Chief Minister of Penang.
In that chapter, Guan Eng says “this victory of ours can be ephemeral. And time and tide waits for no man, so we do whatever we can. I prefer to fail trying than failing to try”.
Guan Eng was replying to the question: “In order for you to realise your plans for Penang, which could take a long time, do you foresee you need to stay more than five years in office?”
Outrageous comments
But some of the most outrageous and hilarious comments must surely belong to Raja Petra Kamarudin. RPK, as he is more commonly known, is famous for his outspoken views.
Reading what he has to say about some of the more sensitive issues that seem to persistently knock at our doors will tickle the reader’s funny bones.
At the same time, RPK thinks nothing of figuratively slapping you around to knock some sense into your head. The thought of the day, according to RPK’s book of quotations, is that even in our darkest political hour, we must learn to laugh at ourselves.
If we can do it at other people’s expense, that’s even better!
RPK is always great fun. He expresses opinions like Mount Merapi spewing ashes over Java. Most of his views are succinct and sharp as an arrow. He won’t beat around the bush when he could just conk you on the head.
The good thing is we often end up laughing with him.
On the other end of the political spectrum is people like Dr Lim Teck Ghee, the CEO and director of the Centre for Policy Initiatives Bhd. Lim was the director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies at the Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute.
He resigned from the institute in 2006 after an official disagreement over his findings about some vital issues.
Lim’s dispassionate and clinical opinions on the NEP demand attention from all thinking individuals and close scrutiny from those who are in position to shape the future of Malaysia.
Malaysia is now at a crossroads. From the quiet town of Kangar, Perlis, to the tantalising plains of Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysians striving or thriving in the melting pot of diversity must ask themselves: what do we want for our grandchildren and great grandchildren?
As citizens of this blessed country, we have listened to the radio, seen on TV, read the mainstream newspapers and attended talks, now we owe it to ourselves and others who will come after us, to lend our ear to the other voice.
“March 8: Time For Real Change” is the other voice. It shouts with great passion from across the wide gulf that separates some of us but nevertheless it wants to be heard. We will be doing ourselves a disservice, if we turn a deaf ear to our own people.
From 1957 to 2010, it has always been one person, one vote – your call.
The book is available in all major bookstores. FMT's interview with Kee Thuan Chye will be published tomorrow.
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