Votes on 2018 general election counted for nothing

February 29, 2020 - a date which will live in infamy (to borrow this famous quote from US President Franklin D Roosevelt) - where the Malaysian political scene was changed from Pakatan Harapan to the loose coalition of Bersatu, Umno and PAS. 

Many Malaysians were aghast at what was developing before their eyes. On May 9, 2018, they voted in a new government and 22 months down the road it seems that their votes counted for nothing with what had happened over the weekend.

Whether our 8th prime minister agrees or not, his government is a "backdoor government" because it does not have the mandate of the people to rule. Nevertheless, our King in his wisdom had decided to appoint Muhyiddin Yassin to be his new prime minister. 

Who are we the ordinary people to challenge such a decision. The only way perhaps is to wait out the remaining term of two years before the country conducts its 15th general election, unless of course the "backdoor government" does not survive a motion of no confidence in Parliament which will then trigger a snap election.

One thing good about our people is that despite all the horse-trading the past week, they have gone about their day-to-day business in peace. There were no disturbances except many felt cheated of their votes cast at the 14th general election. 

I personally feel that Dr Mahathir Mohamad triggered off this scenario which went beyond his control. He didn't anticipate the treachery of certain politicians within the Harapan coalition and that is why we have now ended up with a government via the backdoor. 

The only way to rectify this will be at the next general election and hopefully, the people will come out in droves again to exercise their right.

In the meantime, I hope the new government will be fair to all Malaysians and not swing too much to the right just to satisfy those who are determined to make Malaysia, a multi-racial and multi-religious country more conservative and religious than it already is. - Mkini