Raperas are more urgently needed now !

I have spoken and written many articles over the years where I tried to provoke the Rakyat into taking responsibility for the well being of the Nation.  I was deeply concerned that the general rakyat who are generally good and decent people were illusioned that they are helpless in shaping the destiny of the Nation.

Whatever the impetus was, I am glad that the Rakyat now know that they can change the government if they are determined to. I hope that this makes the politicians realize that the Rakyat’s mindset has changed. They no longer fear the powers that the politicians wield.

I would like to remind the Rakyat that while the Rakyat’s mindset and imagination with regards to politics may have changed, they must remember one thing - power still has a druggish effect on the politicians and their servants.  Hence, they must not assume that just because the baton has been passed to the member of parliaments and state assemblymen on the other side of the fence, all must necessarily be well - they are still politicians.

Hence, our focus should still remain the same - we want a stable, peaceful country where each of us and our children have the opportunity to prosper based on the efforts that we put into life. Every Malaysian has a right to feel safe, useful, appreciated as a citizen with a sense of belonging and respected as a human being.

While the some or most of the Rakyat may still be caught up with the elections that have ended, the Raperas must put on their thinking caps while being balanced by their compassionate hearts.

While some or most of the Rakyat may think that their responsibility has ended by casting their votes, Raperas must know that duties and responsibilities to ensure that this Nation progresses comprehensively continues. Raperas must be ever vigilant.

Believe me when I say this: most people are unable to free themselves from vested interests that may actually run counter to national interests. Do not for a second think that a change of government automatically means that human nature itself has changed.

While we must give the trust, the benefit of doubt and support the government of the day, the Rapera must be vigilant of the human nature which may only want to act in its own interests.

Let us together unite, as Malaysians, to ensure that the key institutions in our country are strengthened not to act against ordinary citizens but to empower them so that they are protected and assisted in their quest to contribute in making this nation greater.

I pray that we have a great journey ahead.

Peace !

Stamping on Najib's Face ???

While we celebrate and welcome freedom of expression (which we must protect), it is equally important to ask ourselves whether we will condone its abuse.

Recently, we have the incidents of some people stamping on YAB Datuk Seri Najib's photo. This is also clear from the "Janji DiCapati" clip. Is this the kind of freedom of expression that that will help the development of parliamentary democracy?

The production of the song itself is arguably creative and provides a different view, rightly or wrongly. That, I have no problem. 

However, under the current general political, economic and social conditions in the country, I cannot agree that it is necessary to stamp on the face of the Prime Minister of the country who is where he is democratically and constitutionally. Freedom of expression should not offend the sanctity of parliamentary democracy. Freedom of expression, on the other hand, should uphold the institution of parliamentary democracy.

When  an incident involving YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng's son was politicised some time back, I wrote on this blog chastising such methods of politicking. I pleaded with rational citizens not to allow the development of such political behaviour in this country. 

Likewise, I am now pleading not to allow politics to undermine the workings of a parliamentary democracy. We have to learn to respect institutions that have been constitutionally set up. 

Critique and undermining are two different things altogether.

Peace !