by Zairil Khir Johari
2013 heralds not merely a new year but also a new dawn for Malaysia. Having treaded the last two years in constant anticipation of a general election, the time has finally come.
We are now in a 100-day countdown towards an epochal moment in our nation’s history. In 1957, our country was birthed with dreams of joining the ranks of free, democratic and prosperous nations. Unfortunately, that dream of freedom has eroded as an autocratic regime began to take root over five decades of unchallenged rule.
Corruption, abuse of power and leakages have come to be regarded as everyday occurrences, while our national discourse is peppered by politicians constantly embroiled in emotional debates over race and religion where they should be discussing legislation and policy.
Our forefathers’ dream of an inclusive country with a unifying narrative where every citizen is accorded equal space under the Malaysian sun has fast become a nightmare of racial stratification, religious victimisation and economic cronyism.
But all is not lost. In 2008, a political tsunami swept our shores, and immediately dismantled the notion of a permanent BN stranglehold. Five states fell, including the three most developed states of Selangor, Penang and Perak. Hope had suddenly arrived, but a new question emerged: can a coalition known only for being a strong opposition be entrusted with government?
On this count, I believe we have proven our doubters wrong. Not only have we shown that it is indeed possible to establish competent, accountable and transparent government, we have more importantly shown that clean governance can result in economic prosperity and social inclusiveness. Penang and Selangor stand out as proof that a Pakatan Rakyat government can outmatch the BN in spite of all the institutional odds, a gross lack of resources and a hostile media.
The show, however, has only just begun. It now falls unto us to ensure that the next general election becomes the defining one, for ours and our children’s sake.
And so we march. Onwards to a new future. Onwards to democracy. Onwards to a new Malaysia.Ubah!
