The most important of them is the much anticipated 13th general election (13GE) which many believe will be held soon. It is the most crucial general election in our history. There has never been so much excitement and uncertainties in any elections before. It is the first time in our history where the winner is so uncertain.
It is the first time when we have such a significant opposition to take on the mighty BN that has ruled with a firm hand for 54 years. It is the first time we have an influential alternate cyber media that become the most important tool to win the hearts and minds of the people. It is the first time when the people of all races and walks of life have realised the power of their vote that would determine who should govern for another term.
There has never been such eagerness among the people to cast that all important vote as now. All these are signs of a thriving democracy which should be the pride of the nation. However it is unfortunate that there are certain quarters who do not want to see the thriving of that democratic process with a free and fair elections, the fundamental pre-requisite for any democratic system.
After 54 years the nation is at the crossroads. The path it takes will very much depend on the outcome of the 13GE.Therefore it is vital that its result must truly reflect the wishes of the people and in order to do that it must be conducted in a clean, free and fair manner where every single vote is accounted for in a manner that will not create any doubts in the minds of the voters. Only then will the people accept the outcome in a peaceful way that would reflect their political maturity.
The onus is on the government, Election Commission and the various relevant institutions to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly. On our part let us vote with great discern to elect the party that will take us into the future where citizens of all race and creed will be able to live together peacefully and harmoniously thereby realizing the true goals of our Merdeka.
With the impending 13GE, race politics is once again rearing its ugly head in an attempt to win the hearts of the people. We have reached a state where such extremist politics is threatening the peace and harmony that we had built all these years. Not a day passes without some racially provocative statements being reported in the media, the latest being the issue of alleged proselytising of Muslims by Christians.
It is sad that those who stoke racial sentiments for personal political gains do not seem to value the goodwill that we have painstakingly built over the last five decades. However it is fortunate that despite the tremendous pressure by certain parties to ignite distrust and hate among the races, Malaysia in general remains quite peaceful as the vast majority of people from all races are not hoodwinked by such racist agenda of those out to gain political mileage.
This is primarily due to the maturity and wisdom of the people who long for peaceful coexistence among the various communities. It is in this political maturity of the rakyat,that is underestimated, lies our hopes for a better future.
This Merdeka is of special significance as it coincides with Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Let us make it really special by joining our Muslim friends in celebrating this festival in the true spirit of Muhibah and getting rid of the suspicion for one another.
Let not fall prey to the racist propaganda of the few who continue to instill hate of one race for another. This country does not belong just to such a few but to all of us who have made this country our homeland and the will of the majority must finally prevail with a free and fair 13GE.
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