What I Think
by Jahabar Sadiq
MAY 19 — When did we descend into this pit of racism and reprisals? When did it become a matter of us against them? That some of us take umbrage when others don't support a particular brand of politics or a political alliance? Malaysia is bigger than the sum total of all its political parties and people. Are we going to boycott each other on issues of race and politics? Please, let's rise above all this acrimony and truly be Malaysians in the 50th year of our country. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
MAY 13 — You know what today is, right? Today is Monday and we have to go to work. We’ll have lunch, tea and dinner and the few mad ones will have a drink after work, play pool or darts. You can remember today as another day in the life of Malaysia or remember that it was a bad day 44 years ago. But you know what, move on. Make new memories. Enjoy the day. Be happy. Make someone smile today. Just have a beautiful sunny day of fun and laughter. We don’t need little signs, quotes on unity or listen to the parochial and paranoid. We just need to smile and share the day to make it another great day in Malaysia. Comment
by Leslie Lau
MAY 10 — What more do the Chinese want? The Chinese are ungrateful. The Chinese this and the Chinese that. Has Umno’s newspaper been renamed Utusan Cina? Is this China or is this still Malaysia? Last I checked the only practical reason we should talk about race is for medical purposes. You see, some races are predisposed to certain diseases. Anything else is stereotyping. My name is Leslie Lau. That’s it. Do not call me Chinese. I am a human being. Only diseases discriminate. And racism, some say, is a disease. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
MAY 9 — There are Barisan Nasional (BN) politicians who still lament that Chinese voters are easily duped or ungrateful despite all the initiatives and goodies given. Grateful? Isn’t that the government’s job? Who is running for office again? Get over yourself, Mr BN politician. You should be grateful that you are elected to run this country on our behalf. You should work to return the trust given to you, not call us stupid or ungrateful. You are nothing without us. Comment
by Joan Lau
MAY 6 — The little black boxes on my Instagram feed show me just how disappointed so many of you are in the GE13 results. Some wrote “RIP Malaysia” but you know what, Malaysia is not dead. We have to believe that, believe in ourselves. One election does not define us. We do. Game on. Comment
by Joan Lau
MAY 4 — So it has come to this: we are afraid of little multi-coloured flags. The police are now investigating this wonderful citizen initiative called “Malaysian Spring”. Where they see a plot and clarion call for revolution, I see raised consciousness. People getting involved. People making and planting these flags to show they care for Malaysia. And I’d like to remind those who likened the “Malaysian Spring” to the Arab Spring that the latter was a good thing. People rose up against oppression. What’s so bad about that? Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
MAY 3 — A record 579 federal and over 1,300 state candidates will vie for 222 federal and 505 state seats from a potential 13.3 million voters. And we are now less than two days away from the May 5 Polling Day. Compare both manifestos, review the candidates and ask yourself what you hope and want for Malaysia from May 6. Like our fellow Malaysians abroad who made history by casting their ballots overseas for the first time, the time has come for us in Malaysia to decide. This is one election that will see a higher turnout, hopefully all legitimate citizens of Malaysia. Do Malaysia and your family a favour. Go out and vote this Sunday. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 28 – Today is a historic day. Malaysians who live abroad cast their ballots for the first time ever in a general election. It used to be only for civil servants and state-sponsored students. No more. Yes, it was difficult because consular officials were slow or unprepared. But still a breakthrough thanks to the efforts of many Malaysians who made it possible that today can happen. Ironically, Bersih 3.0 was held exactly a year ago. And exactly a week away, our turn to vote in Malaysia. Go exercise your right to vote. Make the difference, just like those abroad today. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 26 — A top-ranking civil servant is shot dead on his way to work in Putrajaya this morning. A woman was killed in Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya last Saturday. The news is distressing because it is happening in our backyards, areas where we used to feel safe. It isn’t a perception for those grieving for the dead. Someone told me this today: “I could do without the book vouchers and cellphone discounts, all I want is to feel safe in my own country. That is really all I ask.” Malaysians don’t need to ask this. It is given that we should feel safe. We aren’t now. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 25 – It is time we let go of this hudud fear-mongering and Islamophobia by politicians who just want to divide Malaysians along racial and religious lines for their own interests. PAS took over Kelantan 23 years ago, yet there is no hudud. It didn't happen in Terengganu during PAS's one-term rule from 1999. So why do we still have politicians saying Malaysia can either be an Islamic state that has hudud laws or a Christian state if one side loses power. Malaysians appear more mature than politicians, and look at policies rather than scare tactics being hawked now in local dailies. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 20 – No federal or state seat won uncontested in Election 2013. Not since the 1959 elections have we had a crowded race for a general election. We now have 15 days of campaigning by the parties' to convince Malaysians they are up to task of governing Malaysia for the next five years. Are Malaysians voting for party or candidates? Their decision on May 5 will affect both their immediate and long-term future. Listen, reason, decide and cast your ballots for the government you deserve. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 14 — From the look of things, it would appear the people are more prepared for a general election than the politicians. Only the respective manifestos are ready but candidates lists and seat swaps are still going on days before the formal campaign period. What will Malaysians vote for? People? Parties? Promises? Policies? Or is this just a contest between two people who want to be prime minister? BN and PR have exactly 21 days left to show us their slate of candidates after five years of acrimony. so please do it fast. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
APRIL 6 — There appears to be some drama with several politicians from both sides moving from one federal seat to another, inviting either praise or snide remarks. What matters more than just serving the people is honesty and integrity. Malaysians don’t need more self-serving politicians than there are out there now. Cut the drama and explain your policies that will impact our collective future. MPs have more than just complaints to attend to. They draft laws, debate policies and ensure the government of the day fulfil its promises and the civil service works for a better Malaysia. Politicians, you can stand anywhere but make sure you work, and not expect to be treated like a liege lord. Comment
by Jahabar Sadiq
MARCH 25 — By tomorrow, if the Negri Sembilan mentri besar doesn’t dissolve the state assembly, it will be automatically dissolved anyway and will mark a first in national politics. State leaders from both sides of the political divide appear to be indecisive, or are using the remaining time to woo voters or are waiting for Putrajaya to blink first. What a pity. You say you are a leader but you can’t decide. The people will have to decide for you then. Comment
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