Something’s rotten in the state

Although social ills such as corruption are making the nation sick, the majority of the people are too apathetic to correct the wrongs.

COMMENT

During the Tenang by-election in January, a senior politician complained of rising food prices and how the endemic corruption is bleeding the country away.

However, one of the participants, who works in an oil palm estate, told him off saying there is no need to worry about corruption as he was enjoying good profit from soaring palm oil prices.

“It is disappointing that there are still people who do no subscribe to the higher values of life such as social justice and freedom,” said the politician.

More than 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ told his disciples that man does not live on bread alone, but by every word of God.

The prophet was telling mankind that living a virtuous life is far more important than just looking into one’s own comfort.

In Islam, humans are referred to as “caliphs” (guardians) of the planet and we are supposed to look after fellow human beings and other living things inhabiting the planet. That can only happen when mankind thinks of not himself alone but all around him.

Being the only known intelligent entity on planet Earth, it makes sense that that responsibility is endowed upon us. Do you recall any monkeys and squirrels appointed as kings, presidents or prime ministers of a nation?

Therefore, it is up to us whether to make this planet a paradise or a living hell for all.

Coming back to Malaysia, everybody knows about the rampant corruption and abuse of power taking place. All of us moan and whine about it and the matter gets worse when our law and order appears to be blind, or even helpless when it comes to throwing the book at the perpetrators.

Everyone is aware of it; from the top echeleons of the business world to the “teh tarik” hawker – all talk about how this is leading the nation to a slow and painful death.

Ruling elite

Check out the online news portals and blogs. All of them provide some evidence on alleged wrong-doings by certain people affiliated to the ruling elite. Readers cry foul at these allegations and express their disgust in the comments section.

Unfortunately, these matters just die a natural (or unnatural) death and life goes on as usual for everyone and the perpetrators get away scot-free, to continue plundering taxpayers.

This could be the biggest failure Malaysians may have to live with for generations to come. Not only are the authorities not taking action against the alleged criminals but the people too are being apathetic over what is going on around them.

You disagree? No problem. Do this little test on those complaining about the ills plaguing the nation. Ask them whether they have registered as voters in the first place. Probably some will say no. That would show that this group just needed something to whine about to blow off some steam after a stressful day at work or at home. Nothing more than that.

And for those already registered, ask them whether they have voted in the last general election or are planning to vote for the upcoming one. Some would say no. That would show that they are will only exercise their rights when they feel they have nothing to do for the day.

For those who had been voting, ask them who have they been voting for. If they are voting for the government that perpetuates corruption, that will show you a person that will be cursed by his own kins in the next generation.

To sum it up, all three groups above are saying “hey, you have stolen my money but it’s okay. I will still allow you to enter my house and abduct my family now”.

Comfortable living

A government is not an organisation that comes into power on its own. A government is an entity created and empowered by the collective agreement of common people like you and I.

Therefore, whenever we blame the government for failing us, it is us who have failed us again and again.

And there is this case of showing “gratitude” to the political party that had brought development to the country and the small “gifts” they offer during election campaigns.

Understand this! There is no need for the people to show any gratitude to any political leaders or political parties as we voted them into power to manage the nation. They are paid a salary with perks attached to make it easier for them to do their jobs.

If there is anyone who should be grateful, it is them who should be grateful as we pay taxes that finance their comfortable living.

Perhaps, this is the understanding that is lacking among most Malaysians. When I say most Malaysians, I do mean most because the government of the day was formed by majority votes.

And it is you and I that allowed Malaysia to degenerate to the state it is in now… - FMT