Thursday, March 6, 2008

What does it mean to vote for the opposition.

Lets be realistic. BN is not exactly 100% bad. I don't think even the most hardcore opposition will disagree. But no matter how good a party is, if they are given a free hand in running this country they will start doing things as they please and take the rakyat for granted. BN has and is showing clear sign of this.

Another realistic point to make is that BN will not be toppled. I personally do not see the opposition forming a government. They are too individualistic about their plans. PAS at one time said that if they ever came into power they would turn the F1 circuit into a camel race track. Anwar Ibrahim was known for his extremist views at one time and did have his fair share of cronies as well. DAP has only opposed almost everything the government has proposed.

In reality the opposition do not look like a better option for running this country. Most of you will by now be thinking that I have changed my tune. Was I brainwashed. No, despite attempts by a group of business associates of mine who had a small dinner party last nite that turned into a political debate. I was shocked to hear the views of some non-bumiputeras voicing their support for not only the BN govenment but also the destruction of temples. A hindu of 60 years of age, well educated, Director of a few financially strong companies, this gentleman stood up and asked; "why do we need so many temples? We already have large temples like the ones in Brickfields, PJ old town, Bangsar, Puchong, Selayang etc. People can come to these temples and pray. Why have all these small small illegal ones?" I, despite being a non-hindu, was shocked. I asked him one question. How do you expect these devotees to travel all the way to within the city limits when they are so poor that they cannot even afford a bus ticket? A community of more than 80% hindus should have its own place of worship. Likewise with any other religion. These places of worship are not large monstrosities? Many little churches set up by rural folks in Sarawak and some parts of Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor have also been demolished. The government also put a ban on Christian books and Bibles that were written in Bahasa Malaysia which used "Allah" to describe God. I shall not dwell in this debate of the word.

My point is that there are many who for some reason or another do not have an issue about the insensitivity of the BN government. Who knows maybe PAS is worse. After all they did send funds and even recruits to help the Taliban to fight in the US led war in Afghanistan.

But people, it is not about trying to topple the government. It is about having a proper check and balance. Be clear why there is a need for this change. Understand what it means for us and our future generation to have a just government. Lets break it down, if 4 or 5 out of 6 people vote BN (which happened in the last elections) our fate will be in the hands of a small group of people who have their own personal agenda. Now if only 3 out of 6 people vote BN, the government will be BN led but there will be a stronger opposition voice and BN government will not be able to do whatever they like whenever they like and to whoever they like.

So please think. Every single vote counts!!! We can make a difference. Malaysia can be great if we have a just government.

A wise man once said, "Society is judged by how it treats its less fortunate amongst them" .

Happy Voting and may God smile on Malaysia on the 8th of March.

6 comments:

anfield devotee said...

Typical BN bastard who fails to understand the issue at hand.

Yes, in some places these temples are set up hapharzrdly & within walking distance of another temple.

But in many situations, like the recent temple destruction n Pdang Jawa, Klang, the temple committee had been told by the authorities that they would not tear down the temple until a certain date.

The developer had also promised an alternative site. So they can move temple there at later daye. Everybody happy rite?

No, but the local authorities turn up & destroy the temple with brute force. Despite the pleas of the priest to be allowed to remove the Idols. He was eaten senseless instead by the FRU.

Good to know this 60-year old assshole has got complete perspective . . .

mark said...

I have to say I don't see the opposition ruling the country as well but like many, the intention is to have a bigger say in parliament. I don't think anyone realistically wants the opposition to win do they? If anything, I really they rock the boat and give BN a rude awakening.

I have noticed that many pro-opposition supporters are either driven strongly by pure emotion, and support the opposition for the sake of it. Under normal circumstances, I'd say this was a bad thing but given that we all know BN will not be allowed to lose, I'd say it has its merits. The people who want change in my opinion consist mainly of those from the mid-lower income groups, like me. Why would the rich want the widening disparity between income classes to close?

titoki said...

Yes, I agree with you, it's all about check and balances. :)

Let's say if BN lost to the Opposition this coming election (which is TOTALLY unlikely), I'll give my vote to BN in future election.

Coz you can never ever trust a politician.

Kopite78 said...

AD: What to do? There are selfless people and selfish people. That is what makes the world go round.

Mark & Titoki: Welcome to my blog and thanks for your comments. Absolutely right. It is about creating a balance. That is how it is in this country as we only have a 1 party system unlike USA, Australia, England etc.

Let history be written on 8th March!!!

Jon-C said...

My whole family has always been opposition supporters mainly because of all the shit that happens. Since young i've always been the rebellious and outspoken type so i'll always be more closely associated with the opposition.

Unfortunate to say power corrupts EVERYONE and BN will continue to rule. The only way we can check their abuse and corruption is by putting in more cats to catch the rats.

Anonymous said...

thanks !! very helpful post!