Shall we drain the swamp?

 

“Draining the swamp” is a common metaphor used by US politicians calling for a thorough clean-up in politics and government administration, especially of ineffective and defective leadership.

If ever Malaysian citizens want to clean up the swamp or the Putrajaya ‘paya’, GE15 is the time. Let’s be clear, the next time we’ll get to see politicians, and ask them questions, is in GE16.

Being apathetic, indifferent, or just saying that elections are useless, is not exactly the smartest option. Of course, some would argue that a low turnout is also the electorate’s prerogative because it shows that the citizens are protesting.

I see this point, but it is probably the most useless form of protest.

Citizens must choose by voting. It’s our only ‘weapon’. If we don’t use it, then there’s no point moaning about bad governance, lack of opportunities, mismanagement, or corruption and so on.

If you choose not to vote, as is your right, then you must remain silent till the next time.

I recently also posted something on my social media pages that drew some flak. It was the incumbent member of parliament for my own constituency of Bukit Gelugor, Ramkarpal Singh asking Malaysians overseas to come back home. He argued that Malaysia needs progressive and capable people to return, to make us better.

A few people sent me messages about how those who left the country were mainly Chinese and Indian Malaysians. And that they were being treated badly by the dominant race with discrimination and disappointment filling their lives. To ask them to come back was a big mistake.

I completely understand this sentiment. My brother left Malaysia in 2003.

This is also why I don’t discuss Malaysian politics with him. I love him very much. I’ll welcome him with open arms if he ever wants to come home. But I don’t indulge in his opinions about Malaysian politics, while he remains domiciled elsewhere.

I always say to Malaysians who have left the country, like my brother, that I wish them well, and hope they succeed in living full lives wherever they decide to go. But I also say to the same people that they should not debate the merits or demerits of my country.

If you stay and stand up, then you have a right to argue. If you’ve chosen to leave, then pipe down and bring value to your adopted new country. You have left Malaysia, and you are making a life elsewhere, just like our forefathers did when they first migrated here to Malaysia.

This fight is for those of us who stay back or come home, and struggle at making Malaysia better.

Ultimately, isn’t this what a general election is all about? Making Malaysia better.

Here is my simple understanding of where our country is now.

1. Malaysia is an abundant country blessed with natural resources and good people.
2. Ours is a melting-pot nation with a multi-ethnic populace.
3. For the first 10 years or so of our nationhood, we co-existed quite harmoniously.
4. Our initial leaders were genteel and driven by a passion for nation building.
5. Then we had ‘orchestrated’ race riots in 1969, and the national complexion changed.
6. Preferential economic policies were drafted, and ‘positive’ discrimination was introduced.
7. But still, we all seemed to co-exist harmoniously.
8. Then in the 80s, through the drive for industrialisation, we embarked on mega projects.
9. At the same time, politicians started using our ethnicities to nurture parochialism.
10. Stoked by the same politicians, citizens became suspicious of each other.
11. The use of race and religion became the trump card for many politicians.
12. Anyone who suggested secularism or an inclusive Malaysia, was branded as subversive.
13. Political parties asking questions were demonised as racist parties, and fear was induced.
14. Positions of power in the civil service were systematically filled by the dominant race.
15. Through the state-sponsored ‘positive’ discrimination, our ‘oligarchs’ emerged.
16. With the support of politicians, these types dominated the economy of the country.
17. Unwittingly, being fed a steady diet of propaganda, citizens kept voting for one coalition.
18. As their power increased, they became greedier, and mismanagement thrived.
19. Emboldened by their majority, corruption at the highest echelons went into overdrive.
20. In 2018, things culminated in the 1MDB scandal, and we removed this political coalition.

Then the frogs were unleashed, and we all know the Sheraton Move.

We have a task once again ahead of us. We know our economy is in the doldrums. Inflation and the cost of living is rising at an alarming rate. This is not caused by the lack of resources. But instead, by mismanagement, and the sheer bleeding of our national coffers.

Billions have been siphoned off and squandered. Some say that what we know is only the tip of the iceberg. Apparently, there are many more skeletons in the cupboard. The country has been haemorrhaging because of corruption. This is to do with us returning the same corrupt politicians and same corrupt parties back into government, over the years.

During the campaign period now, our politicians are brawling with each other whilst making promises. Promises that cannot really be trusted. Every day, someone else says that they will ‘lead us to salvation’. They promise that their brand of leadership is the panacea for all our ills.

But aren’t these the very same jokers who put our nation on the path to disaster? And, I am not speaking of the 22-months that Pakatan Harapan was in power. But to the 61 years prior to that.

Should we be looking to the same old players, who are now just in different political parties? As Malaysians, what have we got to lose if we get rid of these ‘old-players’ and opt to drain the swamp?

It is time we change and clean up our own act by becoming responsible citizens. We need new faces and new ideas. We cannot be fearful, and only cling on to the politicians we know.

It does not matter if someone has no experience. All that matters is that they have integrity, can present new ideas, and are able to bring disparate Malaysians together whilst having boundless energy for the task ahead.

Go exercise your vote. But please think about what is right for all of us. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.