A Merdeka celebration prayer for ailing Malaysia

J. D. Lovrenciear

One cannot anymore pretend that all is well with Malaysia. The four quadrants, namely the political, social, economic and environment of this nation is in a perilous and precarious state.

There must be an answer to all our wrong doings. And that squarely lies in this prayer as we prepare to commemorate our 53rd birthday of independence:

Politicians must cease their psy-war tactics. Instead they must rise to serve with integrity and honor. Collaboration for the greater good of the citizens and Rulers must be the central thrust.

Political parties must cease their attack and counter attack tactics. Instead they must earnestly cherish relationships from all sides of the divide and deliberately work hard at establishing and sustaining a collaborative spirit.

Even if they cannot collaborate owing to the chasm of political ideologies, they must respect and accept the voters rights exercised based on democratic principles.

The ruling political party must spearhead to bridge the gap with their opposition 'rivals' and facilitate the respect and acceptance of the fact that the opposition is also the rakyat's choice and as such are as legitimate as the ruling party.

The leadership of this nation under the current PM must take up the challenge to not only flush the country of the seemingly insurmountable debris of corruption but also seen to be doing so without fear or favour and with lightning speed. The clarion all must be resoundingly clear and loud: Return back to the country what rightfully belongs to the citizens and Rulers of this nation.

The judiciary must be given back its post-independence freedom and integrity that was nipped by the several Constitutional amendments.

And along with that, independent bodies like the Bar Council and other social guardians like MACC, SUHAKAM and other ombudsmen entities must be given their respectful place, roles and be seen and perceived by the rakyat as living up to their honor and independence without any form of interference or coercion.

The media must not be subjected to limiting laws but be enabled to operate responsibly with self censorship and collective commitment to uphold the media principles of social obligation and the duty to inform the truth.

We must stop all our fourth-world political mindsets and attitude and rise to embrace the developing stances of successful neighbours. And the power, responsibility and onus is in the court of the ruling political party.

In a nutshell, if a party loses then step back, work hard at rebuilding your credibility and make a fresh honourable attempt at the next electoral exercise. And the party that wins must not extol its ability by merely harping on the wrong doings of the past legacy. Insted, make sure such follies do not repeat in the future while you build your own credibility.

If these prayers cannot be realised honourable before our Almighty Creator, then we might as well prepare Malaysia for the burning fires of Hell - a country devastated over time on all four quadrants i.e. the political, social, economic and environment frontiers that serve as benchmarks of true nationhood.