The day itself isn't much of a fanfare and I needed a text message to remind me that "Tomorrow's March 8". I went, "Oh, March 8." I began thinking of the significance of March 8. It's been a year already but the day isn't as big as, say, the National Day but it's the events that occur after March 8, 2008. Hitherto, nothing's the same anymore after that fateful day where the nation saw the loss of the two-third majority of the government and where the so called tech-savvy voters, both young and old alike, began turning the tide in an election. Many attributed the Opposition's win to the cyberspace; where blog sites have been instrumental in the dissemination of ideas, opinions and manifestos. What more, readers find that news-reporting in the net is impartial though some are mere personal opinions whilst others are professionally reported, the latter by journalists thereby lending more credibility. Some attributed March 8 to voters handing the victory to the opposition to 'teach BN a lesson'. Whatever the underlying reasons may be, change has come and that change has finished one revolution.
Suddenly, everyone is more aware of their rights. Of the Constitution. Of the ISA. And everyone is more interested with matters pertaining to corruption, the judiciary, as well as the principles of separation of powers. I do at least. I'm somewhat pleased with a louder and stronger Opposition now. Like they say, check and balance is important.
March 8 also led to a string of events like the September 16 attempt to takeover of the government, invocation of the ISA and the ensuing weekly candlelight vigils, the Cycle for Change organized by JERIT, wins in by-elections, assemblypersons jumping ship and caused a crisis in Perak, and the State Assembly in session under a rain tree. The people seem to be brave enough to stand up for injustice and courageous enough to make sure their voices are heard. It isn't a bad thing at all. True, things are no longer that 'uneventful and mundane' but it sure is great to see how everyone is becoming more conscious of how important good governance is. We may not yet be mature enough to sit down and openly discuss issues deemed sensitive, no thanks to 50 years intimidation and stifled mental growth, but slowly society is heading towards rational discourses and debates. Gone will be the days when voices of dissent against injustice will be heard and it's come to pass when a show of solidarity by lighting candles be met with water cannons, tear gas, and truncheons. It is the hope of every single person that from here onwards, people is free to voice their opinions, be respected for their views, be treated equally and their rights enshrined in the Constitution be protected. I sure hope that as the gears are set in motion, the racial chasm be narrowed and that racism and extreme chauvinism be snuffed out.
Also, I long for the day when politicians walk their talk and behave in a civilized manner; that they act according to their titles the Right Honourable or any other titles preceding their names. Rubbish should no longer come out whenever they speak and when it comes down to work, they ought to stop thinking of making headlines with unnecessary politicking. In this respect, change should come so as to transform a bunch of ragtags in a circus into first-class lawmakers working for the good of the country and the people. There are many pressing issues but none from both sides are taking it seriously. Rising food prices, education quality, and environmental issues are among the many things that worries us all. And, and, I don't even understand the stimulus packages at all, how it'd benefit us. We're going to be 52 but it's a shame how we've lagged behind many countries and many are thinking only of ways to fill up their coffers.
I just hope they'd stop joking. So, whether or not you're a swollen head or a sore loser, it's over and a year had passed since the last time we all woke up to a different landscape. Live with it and adapt accordingly or do nothing and extinct.
Oh yeah, it's the International Women's Day today!
Suddenly, everyone is more aware of their rights. Of the Constitution. Of the ISA. And everyone is more interested with matters pertaining to corruption, the judiciary, as well as the principles of separation of powers. I do at least. I'm somewhat pleased with a louder and stronger Opposition now. Like they say, check and balance is important.
March 8 also led to a string of events like the September 16 attempt to takeover of the government, invocation of the ISA and the ensuing weekly candlelight vigils, the Cycle for Change organized by JERIT, wins in by-elections, assemblypersons jumping ship and caused a crisis in Perak, and the State Assembly in session under a rain tree. The people seem to be brave enough to stand up for injustice and courageous enough to make sure their voices are heard. It isn't a bad thing at all. True, things are no longer that 'uneventful and mundane' but it sure is great to see how everyone is becoming more conscious of how important good governance is. We may not yet be mature enough to sit down and openly discuss issues deemed sensitive, no thanks to 50 years intimidation and stifled mental growth, but slowly society is heading towards rational discourses and debates. Gone will be the days when voices of dissent against injustice will be heard and it's come to pass when a show of solidarity by lighting candles be met with water cannons, tear gas, and truncheons. It is the hope of every single person that from here onwards, people is free to voice their opinions, be respected for their views, be treated equally and their rights enshrined in the Constitution be protected. I sure hope that as the gears are set in motion, the racial chasm be narrowed and that racism and extreme chauvinism be snuffed out.
Also, I long for the day when politicians walk their talk and behave in a civilized manner; that they act according to their titles the Right Honourable or any other titles preceding their names. Rubbish should no longer come out whenever they speak and when it comes down to work, they ought to stop thinking of making headlines with unnecessary politicking. In this respect, change should come so as to transform a bunch of ragtags in a circus into first-class lawmakers working for the good of the country and the people. There are many pressing issues but none from both sides are taking it seriously. Rising food prices, education quality, and environmental issues are among the many things that worries us all. And, and, I don't even understand the stimulus packages at all, how it'd benefit us. We're going to be 52 but it's a shame how we've lagged behind many countries and many are thinking only of ways to fill up their coffers.
I just hope they'd stop joking. So, whether or not you're a swollen head or a sore loser, it's over and a year had passed since the last time we all woke up to a different landscape. Live with it and adapt accordingly or do nothing and extinct.
Oh yeah, it's the International Women's Day today!
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