A Little too Long

Malaysia has been under the same ruling party for 51 consecutive years, ever since Merdeka. Now isn't that a little too long?


No, says most of us. They've done reasonably well for the last 50 years, says most of the people I've encountered. Malaysia has prospered tremendously since gaining it's independence in 1957, they add. And why, just why, would we want to change for a new unproven party when we know at least it's safe with what we have now?

That's the voices of Malaysians who like to play it safe. They don't want to go daring and change governments, for they fear what the outcome might look like. They fear the worse. Basically, they're afraid of what they don't know.

Is that how it's supposed to be? Is that the best way to become a developed country? Is that the only way to progress?

No, I don't think so. If you look at all the major developed countries of the world, they have all been changing parties every now and then. Off course there is that one major party, but every once in a while they change and go for the opposition.

Take the US for example. Here is a list of the United States Presidents and the parties they represented. As seen there, the Republican has been ruling most of the states. However, as seen, every one or two years, they change and go for the Democrats. And with Barack Obama seen on the cards as the next US President, the government will once again shift from the Republicans to Democrats again.

This pattern of changing the governments ruling party can also be seen in the UK (Labor vs Conservative). And if Dasar Pandang ke Timur is to be applied, look at Japan. They too change parties (even though less frequent).

Malaysians need to be more bold and fierce when it comes to voting. By doing so, it would cause the government to always be on their toes, always working hard to develop the nation to it's highest capabilities. Takde la derang senang duduk, lepak2, and let their guards down.

To the people's full credit though, the GE 12 was a wake up call to the serving government and it's allies. They now notice that Malaysians are starting to voice their opinions more drastically, and if they set another foot wrong, surely more punishment will come their way.

Then again, this blog post may be a little too late too begin with. The GE is way gone. But whatever, may this blog post console those who are sadden, sorrowed, or just afraid after the lost of 5 states to Barisan Rakyat. This change may not necessarily be bad. We'll wait and see.