By Anthony Dylan
Let me start with the following lyrics taken from a legendary song, “Living on the edge” by Aerosmith.
“There’s something wrong with the world today
I don’t know what it is
Something’s wrong with our eyes
We’re seeing things in a different way
And God knows it ain’t his
It sure ain’t no surprise, yeah
Living on the edge
Living on the edge
Living on the edge
Living on the edge
There’s something wrong with the world today
The light bulb’s getting dim
There’s meltdown in the sky
If you can judge a wise man
By the color of his skin
Then mister you’re a better man than I, ….”
The first salvos of the opening lyrics do seem to sum up what is happening today globally and in Malaysia. Something is definitely wrong with the world today.
There are no good reasons at all for anyone regardless; of taking the life of another. Every action comes from a previous action. There is a start to everything and will end only if there is nothing left for anyone.
It is in good faith we must condemn but we must not become too silly in our actions that we forget the goal for peace. What happens in the world today is a solemn reminder of what Malaysia must learn from. It is of great importance that the government, at all levels, come to a realization that if nothing is done seriously in ensuring peace is ultimate importance now, then do not woe for what comes in the future.
The general population must also realize this. Otherwise, there would never be peace we so much brag about when we talk about unity in diversity. Let us ask ourselves this question. How many of us here really believes that today there is Unity in Diversity in Malaysia? Be very honest with yourself. If you say no, then why and what can you do about it? If you say yes, then what can you do to at least preserve it and promote it to be stronger? If you say you do not know, then I would strongly suggest you go out of your house more and talk to people.
The current politics in Malaysia has not proven to have changed for the better. The changes were made possible in 2008, 2018 and 2022 by the people’s power. These elections years yielded results after having the same coalition since the mid-1970s. But, has the situation really changed?
To be brutally honest, it has but not in the speed and the quantum we wanted. At every stage, when one political group decides fit, they would use the divisive rhetoric of race and religion. These are also the same people who told you they are for unity. You can never trust a politician, they say. But then, can you even trust your friend or family member? If you see things as what they are, then you would have to realize that all these traits and issues are because of human beings. They are led by their own perceptions and own thinking on what is believable. The issues are not with your job or your relationships. The problem is human beings themselves.
Generally, many are caught guilty of at least one of the following. Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. Some are guilty of all. You can easily relate to these, and you can even see this in the open with politicians as they are always in the limelight.
I watched the Parliamentary sessions either live or those recorded. The livid atmosphere and the constant nonsensical issues raised makes you wonder if they are all even keen to make Malaysia a better place. The constant heckling, the name calling, the half-hearted replies as well discussions of issues unrelated to Malaysia would easily make you think you are watching drama. If that was the way our elected representatives behave then we should seriously think who we vote for instead of which party, we vote for.
There is no reason why healthcare, education and housing are made political ammunition. We should never get schools, or any institutions of education involved in politics. They can learn and read about politics, but this content must be at best, as it were. It cannot be biased aiming to seed anyone’s mind. It should instead be information where one is able to think based on moral perspectives. Not bias.
Our current Government needs to look at improving our socio-economic issues as these would create gaps within the population if left unheeded. With such gaps, the issues of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride would be even more pronounced.
The current announcement by the PMX and the MOE leaves much to be desired. Two different agendas but this has already irked the support base of Sabah and Sarawak. Do not forget that Sarawakians and Sabahans are watching. In Sarawak, much has been done to focus on the economy and the future well-being for the people of Sarawak. There is less rhetoric.
We had 3 Prime Ministers from 2018 till 2022. There is a possibility of change again if the coalition of Sarawak and Sabah gets fed up with the antics of the Federal Government. They have no choice as the people of Sabah and Sarawak are not in the same thinking as those in the Peninsula. For example, Sarawak is now gearing up for the new capital of Indonesia in Nusantara, on the same island of Borneo. They are looking at attracting Sarawakians home with more developments in engineering, technology and a digital economy.
Has the Government lost her way? We need solid plans which are executable to get to where we want Malaysia to be. We must focus on food security, healthcare, education and housing. These will create much needed jobs.
If there is one piece of advice I would give the Government, this would be it. Enough of populist rhetoric and get the job done.
God bless.
