Monday, February 25, 2008

When 'X' marks the spot

My e-mail in box has been assailed with numerous messages from countless concerned Malaysians telling me whom I should or should not be voting for.

I’m really amazed to discover that we have many brilliant citizens out there who have taken the time and trouble to gather data and figures in terms of economic, socio and financial standings of each religious and ethnic group in the country.

These groups of people have proven to be more efficient than all the government agencies put together in terms of being able to provide the public with the most up-to-date information.

Apparently we have such hard working, meticulous persons in our midst, who are fully aware of what is going on in every nook and corner in the country. Now if only these people had come to the forefront and offered themselves as candidates for the elections, then I would most certainly have voted for them.

Based on the information received, it would appear that the ruling party had not being doing such a great job – hence the call for a change. But at the same time, I also noticed that no information was forthcoming about the other parties who had won parliamentary and state seats. It would have been of great help if these people had listed down all the wonderful things that the Opposition had done in their respective constituencies as opposed to the ruling party.

At the same time, I also received e-mails urging me to vote for anyone else as long as it was not BN. Now wait a minute – aren’t we coming back to square one? If I was going to vote for just any Ali, Ah Chong or Muthu, what guarantee is there that this person, when he wins is going to be any better than the person who held this seat before him.

Yes, it’s a gamble we take when we mark the ‘X’ on the balloting paper. Someone who promises to fight for a certain cause/ethnic group in his election campaign may not end up fulfilling his promise. There is no guarantee and unfortunately there is no law that holds him to his numerous promises.

Our duties do not end at the polling station. We the people have the right to ensure that our elected representatives fulfil their obligations during their five-year term. We must act as their voice of conscience and ensure that there are checks and balances. If we wash our hands and take on a ‘tidak apa’ attitude or tell ourselves that there is not going to be a change, then there will be no change.

I fully agree with the American critic, Alexander Woolcott who said, “I’m
tired of hearing it said that democracy doesn't work. Of course it doesn't work. We are supposed to work it”.












6 comments:

Nightwing said...

Helo Lady Patsy,

Totally agree with you.

Those who claim this and that should have step up and be a candidate.

"Its not what the country can do for you but what you can do for your country"....I think JFK spoke these words.

Pak Zawi said...

Lady Patsy,
At last you broke your silence.
The maxim "Better be with the devil that you know of than the angel that you dont know of" may hold true in this case. Anyway since there is no way we can change the government at the coming election, making our displeasure known is all we aim for. Let us deny them the two third majority and they will come to their senses.
The opposition candidates seems to be tumbling like nine pins in East Malaysia making the opposition a farce even before the vote being being casted.

coffeerox said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
coffeerox said...

for a moment I actually thot the elepant was telling the donkey "next time you'll want the vote!"

hehehe... which won't be far from the truth esp when you see who are actually up for election...

^__^

PS... spelling error just now..

Lee said...

Hi Lady Patsy, elections only add more to global warming what with the hot air from politicians.
You have a nice day, Lee.

Lady Patsy said...

Hi People,

Thanks for having faith in me and taking the trouble to swing by my blog knowing that someday this sleeping beauty would finally awaken. Hey maybe I should stand for elections the next time round :)
Well for now, I'm having a hilarious time reading about all the mud-slinging, name-calling, slander, gossip etc that's going on the political circles.