Celebrating the country’s independence has always been a joyous occasion, as it is we, the rakyat who have collectively contributed to the growth, advancement and progress of the nation.
But in Penang, the Merdeka celebrations were dampened by a crackdown on the Penang Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS) following a parade. The police arrested 156 members and Penang’s Exco Phee Boon Poh.
Aliran released a statement calling for their immediate release. The following day, all of them were released, but lawyer RSN Rayer was arrested and spent the night in the police station.
The success of a country is not determined by whether we have the tallest buildings or the longest bridges but the existence of peace, harmony and goodwill among its citizens.
In many ways, we can claim to have done well but the emergence of groups like ISMA and PERKASA and their often intolerant views contribute to tension that threatens the good ties that exist among the people.
Even more alarming to discover is that there may be Malaysians supporting ISIS.
The Star recently launched a campaign championing moderation called, ‘Brave view, bold ideas’, highlighting several of its columnists – Marina Mahathir, Azmi Sharom (who has been charged with sedition), Zainah Anwar and Shad Faruqi.
While it is a good move, some argue that limiting these views to columns rather than daily news has limited success and might just be a move to increase circulation without a real commitment to reporting on more important issues.
Meanwhile, the National Harmony Bill draft to replace the Sedition Act will only be ready by end 2015. Surely more priority should be given to bring this bill to fruition.
While the proposed bill serves to control extremist views and acts that disrupt unity, it would be better if we ourselves reclaim the atmosphere of true muhibbah – a mutual acceptance and understanding of the different cultural norms, beliefs and practices among the people.
To add to this, the saga of the next Selangor Menteri Besar (MB) is far from over. The Selangor Sultan wants two or more names from each PR party while the PR council only wants to propose one, PKR President Wan Azizah as the next MB.
This brings up many interesting questions. Will PR break up? Are the constitutional experts able to give a clear picture on the doctrine of separation of powers? What is behind PAS’ reluctance to accept Wan Azizah as the MB? Will Selangor give PR another chance if the state assembly were to be dissolved and fresh elections are held?
Through all these, the rakyat has every right to be disappointed and upset with the Selangor MB issue.
But we should not be too disappointed by electoral politics. While we need to work towards an electoral system that offers credible parties or coalitions choices, there are limitations in the electoral system in the quest for real change.
Blogger Anil Netto commented, “The real possibility for hope lies in the empowering of the people, perhaps through participatory democracy at all levels and the empowerment of communities at the local level, to establish and entrench certain noble values in society.”
And what are some of these values and principles?
The right to a clean government, social policies that ensure that the weak and vulnerable are cared for, reverence for the environment, and a commitment to reduce if not wipe out poverty.
And more relevant today, a commitment to ensure the income and wealth of the nation is shared fairly and not concentrated in the hands of the minority.
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