Reviewing the Future

The outcome of the general election resulted in a new Malaysia made of so many different components with no apparent unity. But these are early days and both sides are coming to terms with the facts. However if there is a unifying factor it must be the collective shock of both sides. One did not expect to lose such tremendous support and the other did not expect to gain so much. Suffice to say there is no plan B for either sides which would explain the political silence.

I have no such doubts as to which camp I belong. Cut me open and I bleed blue but not any shade blue but deepest of dark, almost black blue. Yet loyalist or not it has to be said that there is no way anyone of this camp can possibly spin this to be anything short of a disaster. There is a lack of confidence which is apparent from the absent votes. To spin this in any positive way makes a mockery of the people's mentality. Whilst it is a given that it is not much of a mentality to begin with, even those slow to catch on would have caught it, swallowed it and was physically sick afterwards. There is one notorious broadsheet to speak of the aptly named Never Say Truths. But let us not go there, as it is much too easy of a target.

Now that the dust has settled and the stock exchange has crashed 15 per cent (depending on which paper you read) it is inevitable that a review of the election is made. The general perception is to accept that the loss suffered by the ruling party is attributed to the breakdown of racial harmony. I find this laughable. Yes we do know of the Hindraf fanfare and the not-so-subtle message to ol Queen Liz, but at a time when Bumiputra rights are progressively being eroded, how can this be a viable cause. That would suggest that minorities preferred the previous leadership when no such changes have even been made (not counting pretend ones). To break it down even further, let's review simple facts. Apart from Indian nationals (note: not Malaysian Indian) occasionally galloping in the streets, I don't see any animosity between the races. As far as everyone is concerned we are still taking the piss out of each other with the same respect we've always shown. I don't even feel the slightest need to bring out the old rifle and make sure it's working, just in case. Then again what do I know, I'm dating one (or two depending on which day of the week she feels like). Then pray tell me why do people keep harping about race issue when it is simply a red herring.

Contrary to popular belief, I am not blind. I like to act like that but that's just cause it gets me a seat on the underground. My beef (apologies to all Indians) is the lack of understanding of the masses. Maybe it is just me and my rapid march to old age that is making me feel this way but it seems to me everyone is parroting the same thing and ignoring viable, in depth discussion. Every seemingly complicated concept can always been broken down in simple terms so let me attempt to do so. The people just got sick of the government doing nothing. Perhaps it is too simple politics but I would be annoyed if I saw my prime minister falling asleep or just going on holidays. Somehow opening batik-related conventions just doesn't cut the mustard. Inaction resulted in the lack of growth of the economy, unemployment, inflation and the rise in oil prices. Yes I do know that it is claimed that growth has increased by 5% but in an economy like Malaysia such growth could have happened without any government intervention. But we are a developing economy, the very term means we should expect the growth spurts to jump radically. If not you are saying places like Terrenganu has already reach it's peak economically like Kuala Lumpur. Last time I checked, I saw no Twin Towers spurting up there.


Now let's spend a short moment about corruption. It's there. It's apparent. More so since that bandit of a son-in-law came into the picture. The Doogie Howser wannabe of the political world. I wish he would wash his hair. Then cut it. And stop wearing the Armstrong bracelet, such a faux pax. But back to the crux, yes corruption is there. It is nothing new. But what the current administration don't get is corruption is only acceptable when it benefits a small group of people that it does not affect lil you and me. Not until some random nut MP can also benefit. Also the golden rule is corruption is tolerated when everyone has what they want. A vibrant economy ensures this. This is not rocket science.

What next? I shall speak only in the context of what my camp should be doing next. This advice I give freely. The opposition can ask me for my two cents but it is going to cost them a lot more than that to secure it. A lot. I would sort out this MIC and MCA nonsense and agree leadership issues. The public is angry at PM so either he needs to do a complete 360 which does not include smiling or the DPM should play quarterback. Oh and slimeball should just do a disappearing act. Take the Mongolian route. Anyway, PM/DPM should announce the game plan, A GAME PLAN. Anything. Something along the lines of man it was a disaster and we will work hard to change and route out all the rotten people. As a token offering they should set an example with slimeball and say "see.. we mean business". Sacrificial lamb or in his case total mutton. Speak in simple but strong tones. MIC and MCA then should say their piece on where their party is heading. Gerakan.... well moving on, then the important ministries should set out agenda. These are Finance, Defence, Education, Trade, Domestic, Rural. Tourism and other random ministries should respectively keep quiet. For now. It should then be a press blitz so that it shows BN is doing much more than the opposition. As for the opposition, too soon to take a shot at them. I would wait for them to make the first attack and then start a healthy campaign to discredit them.

But this is only what I think.