Letters from the Equator

Merdeka
Originally uploaded by ted adnan.

Independence day is just around the corner, and the elections is slated to come soon after, though when exactly “soon” will be is anyone’s guess.

The heat is increasing on several local blogs, and more bloggers have become more conscientious about political awareness and Malaysia’s state of affairs. No thanks to the efforts of some of our local ministers who never fail to surprise us with their words, and the fact that these things, as much as they have been dumbed down, do end up in the major newspapers.

I’ve refrained from publishing my political views, mainly because I don’t have much of one. Growing up as a Chinese, I always had this idea that you couldn’t do much about the government, and the government didn’t want to do much about me.

Of course, those were my childhood days. Today, I am a taxpayer. And I still remember making the conscious decision to make Malaysia my home, after completing my studies overseas.

Despite conflicting opinions that I should really have tried to settle down in the US (or somewhere else), I wanted to make Malaysia my home. It’s not the greatest place in the world - the political climate is sort of screwed up, crime has become more apparent, people are in general still complaining (if not more), and it’s getting more and more difficult to earn a living as the days go by.

But you know, running away from it all won’t make it any better. In fact, it’ll make it worse. If there’s anything I can and should be doing, is to exercise my rights as a Malaysian citizen, and contribute to the country. Besides, the country is mine to enjoy as much as the other guy.

I was upset when I missed the last election because of my ignorance. In fact, I’m still not quite satisfied with my lack of awareness and understanding of the country’s affairs.

But I believe I’m doing my part as a citizen when I avoid double-parking, when I exercise a proper standard of professionalism at my workplace, when I appreciate my fellow countrymen across racial lines.

This year will be the first time I am casting a vote. It’s a little late, but it’s better than never. If you’re in the same spot as I am, you should go out and register yourself as a voter. Even if you’re in doubt, or feel defeated, or insignificant about the whole thing.

Categorized as thoughts/malaysia