I was thinking of writing about my view on how MIC or BN should rise again from the GE12 downfall then, as usual I need to voice out my view on our current political situation.

2 months after the elections and things don’t seem to be slowing down. Here are some of my thoughts on the elections as we herald the coming five years of political showdowns.

Critical Politics
Perhaps one major political mainstay in any country is criticism. All types of criticism. The freedom of expression was meant to protect that criticism. The goal of it is to see that the current administration does not go unchecked in any and every policy that it executes. It is there to expose a corrupt politician, raise awareness on current social issues and seek reform.
It is also an outlet for anger and frustration and a justification for harsh words, the government, or “Send the Altantuya murderers to hell”.

There’s a spirit behind destructive criticism. It spells pride, unforgiveness, anger, rebellion and perhaps, a lack of self control. It demeans the other and seeks to raise the anger of others. It tears down a country (not just the administration) and offers no means of cohesion. No country was ever built up in anger.

I don’t doubt the arguments these critics raise. Yes, there are problems with the administration. Yes, there is corruption. Yes, some races have been neglected. However, I doubt the spirit behind these criticisms. Judgmental, perhaps? Condemning? Derogatory?

It’s not just bloggers I’m referring to. It’s the public in general. The coffee shop conversations, the small talk at the office pantry, the discussions around the dinner table and perhaps, behind Cabinet’s closed doors too. It permeates all sorts of relationships. It taints Parliamentary discussions with mind-numbing talk [just look at KJ’s and other MP’s debate between Projek Khinzir Raksasa (Giant Pig Project) and Babi Negara (National Pig)].

We need to rethink our use of criticism. Does it construct, or destroy? We don’t just want people who are willing to be imprisoned, which makes for good anti-government propaganda, but we want people who are willing to risk their lifestyles (note: not life) to bring change. There is a lot to commend bloggers for, despite their often frustrated attitude, and as we progress, we hope our criticisms will begin to exhibit a love for the country and *gulp* its administration - a love that rebukes and a love that rebuilds. We critique with hope.

PAS?
As a result of protest-voting, many people took a chance and voted for parties led by leaders with disputable backgrounds or conflicting ideologies. It did not matter to voters, even if parties like the Pan-Malayan Islamic Party (PAS) had extremist tendencies. Suddenly, the media was abuzz with how tolerant PAS-led states were compared to the creeping Islamisation in the rest of the country during the previous government’s rule.

Maybe it is all political - that PAS would shed its extremist views in favour of ‘tolerance’ or ‘religious harmony’. This election’s results sort of put PAS in a quandary. Yes, more seats, but their sustenance depends on their compromise with the rest of the Opposition. So much to the effect that PAS itself was considered a swing party in some Opposition-led states.

What effect will this have on religious issues in the country? I don’t know. What I do know is despite whatever is said or done, the people must continue to strengthen the relationship without being biased about race.

Malaysia’s next 50 years will write a radically different history from its first 50. :)