Harapan and the excitement of 'Malaysia Baru'

The Federal Cabinet is formed and it is now back to serious work for our ministers. It is refreshing to see the enthusiasm and excitement on their faces, as each new minister walked into his office for the first time.

They used to be in the opposition all these years, yelling their idealistic views to be heard and opposing the policies of the ruling BN. They engaged in shouting matches with the government MPs and staged walkouts in protest when things didn’t go their way.

Today, they are placed in the seats of power, in positions to make important decisions and policies that affect the people and country. They may take time to get accustomed to their new role and the "magic" of the power invested in their hands.

However, will they be able to remain steadfast to their ideals they preached while in the opposition? If yes, for how long?

We, the people too, are experiencing something new we have never experienced before, a brand new government totally different from the previous one. A new government that promised drastic reforms to rejuvenate our dying democratic system.

We wish the new cabinet members all the best in their service to the people who put them up there. Let them never forget their oath, which they took in front of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and were watched by millions of rakyat; their priority should always be the people, never themselves.

The new Pakatan Harapan government must be different from the previous government. Harapan came to power not overnight by chance or luck but after 20 years of struggle since 1998, when the "Reformasi" movement was formed to defend Anwar Ibrahim.

Harapan must not forget this struggle that was painful and trying for them and the people who faithfully supported them to make our vision a reality today. There is a great deal of excitement and expectation among the people about this "Malaysia Baru" and we hope our leaders will never let us down. - Mkini