2013 ~ P R E S E N T |
S T I L L E V O LV I N G
had to be reminded that they can bring change and
have the power to do so. They now realize that if
the current administration does not meet promises
and expectations, they can be voted out just like
the last one. The new government has also lifted
many restrictions on the freedom of speech and has
expressed their commitment to receiving criticisms
and feedback. This is the first step to address not just
policy and economic changes but also to push the
human rights agenda forward for indigenous groups,
women and children while also addressing torture
in custody and beginning an open conversation of
tolerance towards the LGBTI community.”
▲ In front of the boat-shaped
ancestral tongkonan houses
in Toraja (2014).
134
While some may look at this historic general election
as a turning point for improved policy making, others
regard it as an expression of Malaysian pride and
patriotism. This spirit was clear to see as thousands
of Malaysians gathered at the Istana Negara on
the evening of May 10th chanting “Reformasi”
(Reformation) and “Pakatan Harapan” while waiting
for Mahathir Mohamad to be sworn in as Prime
Minister. Twitter and Facebook timelines were flooded
with expressions of jubilation and euphoria.
However, one should be aware that political change is
not always for the better. Sometimes, it backfires, and
this may happen if Mahathir Mohamad wastes time
with petty political blame-games or takes an iron-fist
approach as he has done in the past. The success of
the new government also depends on the wisdom of
his elected cabinet and the stability of his coalition.
As a non-Malaysian who has stayed and studied in
Malaysia for some years, I do hope that the country’s
democratic institutions continue to deepen and
strengthen. I also hope to see the country’s youths
take a more active interest in shaping Malaysia into a
land of opportunity for all.
Have any comments or thoughts on my article?
I’d love to hear them! Holla at me on Twitter at @
JainaChandwany
Jaina graduated with a Bachelor of Communication
in 2014 and won the Best Undergraduate Student for
Communication that year. Jaina is currently pursuing
a Masters in Marketing Communications at the
University of Melbourne, Australia.
One my friends, Helen, shared: “I had just returned
to Malaysia from studying abroad when the elections
took place. So it meant a lot to me to be home for
such an emotional transition. It was lovely to witness
the time and energy people put into voting, and
how well-informed and aware everyone seemed.
I’m very glad to have been a part of it and am happy
it was a peaceful transition of power between the
two coalitions”.
▲ Prime Minister
Dr Mahathir Mohamad
campaigning for
electoral support.