Tattered flag, tattered country

In slightly more than a week's time, it will be one year since the last General Election. It was an election of great significance to Malaysia because for the first time, the opposition Pakatan Rakyat was successful in capturing five states and denying the Barisan Nasional a two-thirds control of Parliament.

But what has happened in the one year since the election? The worsening global economy shows no sign of improvement and yet, the Barisan Nasional-led federal government is in great delay over its effect on the country. A wise university professor once said that delay was the deadiliest form of denial. So it is. In this case, the Barisan Nasional politicians, hell bent on regaining control of the states they have lost, are simply not paying enough attention to the crisis. On the hand, the Pakatan Rakyat politicians are equally pre-occupied on taking control at the federal level. This leaves the ordinary folks as the victims of their politicking: ordinary folks who are caught in between the devil and the deep blue see, and finding it difficult to make an honest living as jobs are affected by the economic downturn.

There are only three words that I can think of to describe the outcome of the politics in this land: Malaysia In Tatters. This phrase came to mind yesterday evening as I was returning from my regular hike up the Bukit Mertajam hill. As I was waiting to cross the busy road, my eyes strayed to this flagpole and the flag that was fluttering. Yes, the flag was torn and tattered. And my country too is torn and tattered. Such a poignant reflection of Malaysian politics. Here's another useful phrase for you: Bugger The Politicians!

At the same time, I just want to mention that it takes a brave and exasperated man to articulate the desperation of the people to the public. On Thursday, businessman Anas Zubedy took out a full page advertisement in The Star to swipe at the two warring sides and asking them to put aside their differences and work towards pulling the country out of the economic mess.


“Someone has to give in. Take the nation to heart. That's why you are in politics in the first place. Focus on the people. Focus on the economy,” he appealed to them.

“Whether Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat leads is meaningless if Malaysians have no job to go to, no money to pay rent and no means to put food on the table. Pakatan Rakyat, please stop your attempts to take over the federal government and just let go. The nation can wait until the next general election if they want change. Barisan Nasional, please stop any attempts to take over PR states and win over PR lawmakers. You have proved your point with Perak. The nation can wait for the next general election if they want your party.”

Anas Zubedy, I truly respect you for your action and effort. While I can only hope that the politicians will take heed of your plea, do you really think that they will? A vicous streak of head strong stubbornness runs through our political system. When do you think they'll even stop to listen to themselves, must less us, much less you, much less I?