In conjunction with the recent 13th General Elections in my country, Malaysia, I’d like to apply the recent happenings with a few appropriate proverbs here.
To those outside of Malaysia who is not aware of the current situation, let me enlighten you.
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not siding with either party nor am I promoting anyone. I am only writing about what has been going on for the past couple of days. I shall not reveal which party I support to avoid any conflicts and misunderstandings. As you know, political discussions can be very intense.
The current government before the elections is called Barisan Nasional (BN).
The opposition party is a collaboration of three parties, Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) which form the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) or in English, the People’s Alliance.
On May 5th 2013, the polling was held all over the country. Official reports state that 80% of the registered voters turn up to cast their votes. This was the highest percentage ever. Well done, Malaysia!
After the polling time ended, the votes were counted. So happens that in four states, the power was suddenly cut off. Now before the power went out, the opposition party was leading in the vote count. However when the power was finally restored, the majority of the votes went to BN. Nevertheless, people started to wonder and many stories popped up. Thus came the story how BN manipulated the votes in those states where reports of new ballot boxes appearing everywhere with votes in BN’s favour. By 1am on the next day, it was officially announced that BN has won the elections and will retain the government.
People everywhere started to take it to social medias to complain and voice out about what had happened. It had even triggered a trend of changing their Facebook profile photo to a black background to signify the ‘blackout’ and to protest. Students in various campus also gathered to wear black T-shirts to silently protest. A ‘Silent Walk’ flash mob in shopping complexes was held the very next day.
Again, I would like to remind you that I am only writing about what has been going around and the reactions that had taken place.
To the supporters of the opposition party, I have a few words for you;
the darkest hour is that before the dawn. PR may not have won these elections but there is always another one in 5 years time. When circumstances cannot get any worse, a turn for the better will not be long. Meanwhile, take these five years to better yourself and get stronger for the next one.
Know that tomorrow is another day. You keep living, keep trying and keep improving. Do not allow present troubles to defeat you, for tomorrow brings the hope of better things.
Also, remember that hope springs eternal in the human breast. You might not have heard that before, it means to have optimistic expectations for the future is part of man’s nature. So be yourself!
To the supporters of BN;
please do not gloat and make fun of anyone else. Let’s keep this elections as humane as possible. You may celebrate but do understand that there are different people with different opinions.
To everyone;
try to not make matters worse and take it in with an open mind. Do not go to conclusions without further clarifying the situation.
With that, I hope for a better future for Malaysia.
BN has won, I hope they fulfill their promises of a better nation.