JAN 26 — The dawn of the Year of the Dragon heralds a new beginning. Looking back at the Year of the Rabbit that has just passed us by, the world has not been peaceful for the past twelve months.

I could still remember the tsunami triggered by the massive quake in Japan that shook everyone on this planet.

I could also remember the floods that lasted for several months in Thailand that caused tremendous economic damages.

I could also remember the most serious drought in 60 years happening in the Horn of Africa, that terminated the lives of millions of hungry souls.

I could also remember the sirens of Arab Spring and Jasmine revolution that sent the dictators to the ends of their political careers.

I could also remember Ma Ying-jeou winning the Taiwan election, signalling a major step forward for the island’s democratic progress.

But these people and events are too distant from us.

On the home front, who among the countless of people and happenings that could possibly be etched permanently on my mind?

I couldn’t have possibly forgotten the verdict the court delivered on the death of Teoh Beng Hock.

I couldn’t have possibly forgotten the wind of change that swept past Sarawak in the state election.

I couldn’t have possibly forgotten the water cannons and tear-gas fired during the July 9 assembly.

I couldn’t have possibly forgotten that women who tried to wash her hands off the NFC scandal.

I also couldn’t have possibly forgotten the shocking acquittal of Anwar Ibrahim.

Most definitely, I couldn’t have possibly forgotten a series of political reforms and economic transformation programmes of PM Najib.

All these memories have either shocked me, made me feel the vulnerability and helplessness of the human race, or the overwhelming power of the masses so that I could see hope in Malaysia and beyond.

Inspecting these characters and events from different perspectives would tend to give us very different feelings or even conclusions. Pessimists would only see the darker side of things, and get frustrated, while the more optimistic would not let go even the chances to seek the weakest ray of hope in pitch darkness.

The Year of Dragon could very likely usher us into an imminent general election.

After all the festive celebrations, perhaps we should get ourselves settled down to think soberly we kind of government we actually want.

We don’t have too many options. Between the BN and Pakatan, we have to make our picks.

Before we make our decisions, it is advisable we calmly look back at the 1,400-odd days that have passed, and ask ourselves whether we are happy with all those people and events I mentioned above.

Do those people have what it takes to be capable and responsible leaders? Are they morally more superior than ordinary people in the street?

As for those events and policies, are they beneficial or detrimental to the well-being of the people? Are they empty promises or pledges of hope?

I earnestly hope that the year that lies before us is a promising one, and that your choices are the right ones. — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.