Changing We Are

Are all Malaysians equal?

Today the most popular word is perhaps CHANGE. Everywhere and every time particularly among those politically savvy such is the topic of the day especially after Obama won the US Presidency two days ago. Of those who become enthusiasts of talking and discussing and more importantly demanding changes are those from the Opposition or their sympathisers.

The Americans have forsaken colour when they decided to elect an African American as their 44th President and McCain graciously offered his congratulation to his opponent and promised to work closely with him. Such is not the case in Malaysia since the Opposition feel or so they think that the whole election process is tainted and influenced by the ruling government, a typical case for a third world nation like ours. The proofs aren't lacking but the present government seems oblivious to those discrepancies.

The aftermath of the recent 12th GE is the emergence of a second political base, an alternative to the existing BN. In fact, initially this Opposition front was popularly known as the Alternative Front but they have since re branded themselves and today they are the People's Pact. In view of the recent trend in information technology the public has the opportunity to analysis the views, stand and performances of both sides. Incidentally, the call for changes in its diverged folds is gaining force but let us be frank and honest - are we really for these changes we have been talking? Remember, the Americans take more than 1000 years for the changes they are doing now.

Are we ready to relinquish some or even all perks and privileges that we have enjoyed forever? Are we willing to sacrifice everything that we have steadfastly protect? What about 'Malay Supremacy'? Some might not be open to the changes as some think that the Malays being the sons of the soil, the natives of this land have nothing left except for political power which includes some privileges according only to them and in certain cases shared with the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. We have been enjoying all these for so long we can't remember when and how they begin.

But perhaps we mistakenly lead to understand that we, the mass or the majority are enjoying these privileges. The fact is that we are like our non natives brothers, we do not have the privileges as some even the natives are living day by day not knowing whether they will be eating tomorrow. All the privileges are in reality enjoyed by only selected few and those that we are enjoying are actually only a small part of the whole picture. This is especially true to Sabah particularly. The decision by Petronas to channel gas from Sabah to Sarawak instead of processing them here is a very clear example of how Sabahans are being treated and yet our so called leaders pretend that it is not happening or even worse just because they belong to a dominant party in the ruling coalition they prefer to attack their fellow peers by saying that they are acting childish and irrational.

Ultimately, are we ready for those changes?

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

Leo Tolstoy