FEB 13 — Change. It can be a terrifying thing.

Most of us find it to be unsettling, distressing and unwelcomed. The idea that what was once certain, expected and dependable becoming no longer predictable and uncertain is always something that we would rather turn away from.

In recent days, many of us have asked ourselves whether change is coming to Malaysia. Whether it is possible for this country to be more than what it has been or what it could be.

The truth is that we have grown bitter and cynical. 

And it isn’t just because of a few cows. We have seen the abuse and exploitation of entitlements, of affirmative action, of welfare assistance, and the use of public funds.

Experienced the never-ending disappointing trips to the courtroom steps in search of justice against corruption.

Counted the hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ ringgit spent and wasted to realise someone’s wet dream, construct another phallic symbol and build yet another palace we don’t need.

Observed the continued enrichment of a select and privileged group under the pretext of race and religion. And accepted how despite the breakneck speed of economic progress and development in peninsular Malaysia, huge swathes of east Malaysia remain forgotten where communities live without running water, electricity and without even recognition of their citizenship.

Despite the iPads, glitzy and expensive cars, huge houses and the millionaires on the list of Forbes Most Richest, there remain so many in this country who continue to be left behind in destitution, poverty and want. The preference has been to showcase the appearance of progress rather than create enduring change.

We have allowed ourselves to be held hostage to the language of racism, bigotry, extremism and fascism which dominate the national dialogue and silence the voice and belief of moderation. There exists a culture of hypocrisy where in a Janus-like fashion we present one face to the outside world and another to those living in this country.

The voices raised in consternation, protest and outrage have often fallen onto the deaf, apathetic and paternalistic ears of politicians, civil servants and society. It seems that despite everything that we do, it is business as usual.

If you’re one of the beneficiaries of the aforementioned largesse, hell, you must hate even the scent of change. Change might mean that you actually have to be accountable to the public funds that you use, that you can’t use your old boys’ network to net the multimillion ringgit contract, that there is no longer any “duit kopi” or that you can’t parcel out positions and contracts to your friends and family.

But you know what? I think Malaysians are tired of business as usual. They are hungry for change and they are ready to believe again. That this time must be different. That their voices could be that difference.

But you know, it is true that change should never be for change’s sake.

We have to know why it is necessary and we should want to be a part of that change. We need to start and continue to care about the issues which are bigger than ourselves. It is more than just dropping your vote into the ballot box every five years.

Whether it is healthcare reform, access to education, good governance, human rights, gender equality, election reform, the development of the Orang Asli or even the behaviour of our public officials, there are so many issues for us to be concerned about.

Barack Obama was spot on when he stated that “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” 

To realise the promise of a new Malaysia, we need to be willing to do our part and often the kind of change we seek will not come easy. We need to work together. Malaysia is not made of a single race or ethnicity. It is a patchwork of people who aspire, who hope and dream. We have come so far as a people. Already we see today the politics of racism and bigotry turning in upon itself and slowly being rejected. 

I am reminded of a quote from John Kennedy: “The world is changing. The old ways will not do. It’s time for a new generation of leadership.”

If people care, involve themselves and at the very least participate in exercising their right to vote in the upcoming elections, then it is possible to get good government and good leadership. But when we get apathetic, lazy and complacent, and start taking the easy way out by letting others determine the direction this country is going, and don’t bother in holding public officials and civil servants to account, then it results in bad government and politics. In the end, we deserve the governance that we get and have only ourselves to blame. Decisions are made by those who show up.

This is an opportunity to determine what kind of country we want to be. Should we have change or have more of the same?

This is the chance to ask ourselves that question. This is about us as a nation. It is about our hopes. It is about our dreams. It is not about political figures, political parties, ideologies or someone’s damn handbag.

We need to build and realise a vision of Malaysia which will outlast you and me. A just, free and caring nation of ideas, of dreams and of promises which promotes inclusiveness and celebrates the unity of its people through diversity. 

Change is coming to Malaysia. We can be bystanders, onlookers, or even act to prevent or delay it. Or we can work together to be part of that change.

The sun is coming up.

What do you want to be?

* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.