First thing I did when I woke up was to try and grab a newspaper (I have already stopped reading the papers a long time ago) and pore slowly over the results of the election. But all papers were sold out. I tried accessing Malaysiakini, but the traffic was so heavy that it was impossible to get in. The Star online did provide some up-to-date information on the election results.
Who could have predicted the depth of anger and frustration of Malaysian voters? No one, not even the the Barisan Nasional could have foretold such a wave of anti-government sentiment, that the PAS leader likened it to a 'tsunami'. Malaysians have sent a signal, loud and clear to the Barisan Nasional that they have had enough of their brand of politics and government. This is only the beginning; it remains to be seen how the three major opposition parties can sit down and work together to forge a strong opposition to check the excesses of the Barisan Nasional. They should henceforth ensure that the Barisan Nasional is transparent and accountable to the rakyat. Likewise there should be thorough house-cleaning and house-keeping in the states that they control.
It is equally important for the Islamic party, PAS, to tone down its Islamic rhetoric and work towards a society where freedom of the non-Muslims' way of life and of worship are not merely lip service. For the non-Malays, the spectre of an Islamic state constantly conjured up by MCA and other coalition parties, is real, but they have taken a leap into the unknown to trust PAS. It is fervently hoped that Malaysians of all races will keep a cool head and work towards a nation where justice, fairness and the rule of law remain the guiding principles. The constitution of the country should be strictly adhered to by all parties.
It may be the dawn of a new era in Malaysian politics, but the people are watching closely and if they fall prey to internal bickerings, the new found voice of the Malaysian public will not hesitate to boot them out in the next election.
Who could have predicted the depth of anger and frustration of Malaysian voters? No one, not even the the Barisan Nasional could have foretold such a wave of anti-government sentiment, that the PAS leader likened it to a 'tsunami'. Malaysians have sent a signal, loud and clear to the Barisan Nasional that they have had enough of their brand of politics and government. This is only the beginning; it remains to be seen how the three major opposition parties can sit down and work together to forge a strong opposition to check the excesses of the Barisan Nasional. They should henceforth ensure that the Barisan Nasional is transparent and accountable to the rakyat. Likewise there should be thorough house-cleaning and house-keeping in the states that they control.
It is equally important for the Islamic party, PAS, to tone down its Islamic rhetoric and work towards a society where freedom of the non-Muslims' way of life and of worship are not merely lip service. For the non-Malays, the spectre of an Islamic state constantly conjured up by MCA and other coalition parties, is real, but they have taken a leap into the unknown to trust PAS. It is fervently hoped that Malaysians of all races will keep a cool head and work towards a nation where justice, fairness and the rule of law remain the guiding principles. The constitution of the country should be strictly adhered to by all parties.
It may be the dawn of a new era in Malaysian politics, but the people are watching closely and if they fall prey to internal bickerings, the new found voice of the Malaysian public will not hesitate to boot them out in the next election.
An intriguing question is whether online alternative news and bloggers have helped in this swing of mood among voters and to what extent they have been able to persuade them to opt for change.
Source: the Star online
The Star online even provided a map with brief comments on the characteristics of each state, and its previous voting pattern and the election results.
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