Years ago, I remember my parents told me that the main threat to Malaysia was from the communists. At that tender age, all I knew was that 'communist' was a three-syllable word that implied an external threat. Today, I believe we are facing real threats in our country, not from external sources but from within - leaders who by their words, actions, policies, have caused us to lose confidence and faith in them. Do our politicians have a heart to serve?"
In so many events such as the TBH controversy, the "Allah" issue, MACC do's and don'ts, missing jets or Skyhawks or Scorpene submarines or GST etc, we can see how leaders and commenters partake in vitriolic debate, but in our heart of hearts and conscience, we know that their words do not impact us at all. If our leaders hope to achieve political influence and desire to make statements that are effective and constructive, they have to speak from THEIR hearts to touch OUR hearts. Their words and actions must speak to our feelings and take into consideration our desires, fears, anger, hopes, and above all, the collective good of our nation.
Intellectual or rhetorical arguments presented by certain leaders do not necessarily influence political orientations, especially if it is evident that someone else or an organization had been commissioned to write that speech or formulate a program upon instructions from leaders. Some could make decisions by mentally assessing the pros and cons but we have to acknowledge that many are still guided primarily by feeling. There could also be those who are subliminally influenced emotionally by certain developments in the country, and use their thinking faculties to justify the stance determined by their emotions. In such a scenario, politicians must appeal to their underlying feelings to influence them.
Let us admit it. Each of us has our own desires and a myriad of feelings about our country such as fear, anger and love/compassion. There are politicians who can successfully appeal to these desires by implementing policies that match our needs such as lower taxes, or improvements in education standards.
At the same time, we all know that there could be politicians who love to evoke fear by their statements or insinuations which alarm us and increase our anxiety and sense of helplessness. By doing so, I wonder if they realize that such mindless and heartless statements do nothing but spur us to close our hearts to their messages and we would prefer to cling to familiar sources of security which may not necessarily be the status quo any more. When one has fear, one tends to be desperate for security and needs reassurances but these are not forthcoming from the leaders who instead, seem to enjoy making veiled threats and allusions which could cause our feelings to spiral into anger in an attempt to make sense out of nonsense!
Currently, there is a dangerous trend of events which can stir anger that may escalate in political protest. In some ways, anger can mobilize people into action which may lead to change or destruction. Far too often, it remains anger AGAINST a group and is not channeled into anger and action FOR a group. In such a climate, it could mean that actions could be disguised by the veneer of justice and good intentions for a covert purpose rather than for noble intentions.
As such, people could lose their faith and hope in such leadership. Even if statements were forthcoming, one would test and assess these to see if words match actions and trends and if these don't match, again, confidence in leaders would be undermined. It almost seems as though some leaders have no consideration of how the rakyat may feel when they do not speak up against unfair statements made by other quarters or when there are double standards in policies or procedure. All this only serves to weaken their national image.
For a 52-year old nation, it is saddening that we have yet to reach the stage where we are capable of caring for everyone regardless of class, creed and color because of certain myths and stereotyped practices. We raise our flags on Hari Kebangsaan and sing our National Anthem with gusto at official events but beyond such token acts, we have yet to gel together as a nation with a cohesive and acceptable national identity to see ourselves as one. Why? We must ask ourselves if our leaders genuinely want us to move in that direction. While on one hand we may have feelings of compassion for some needy people, it could be difficult to extend our feelings and desire to care for others beyond the boundaries of our families. Why? Because others in the community remain distant for many reasons and we still see others through race-tinted lenses! How sad! Is this practice endorsed and encouraged by certain quarters for a hidden agenda?
It is obvious that with the prices of goods going up and the increase in the cost of living, many of us are overwhelmed by the demands of everyday living and we are trying to maintain control by controlling our emotions. Some may try to assuage our struggles in our own ways and we may be too inward looking to realize the bigger picture that has so many problems that affect our personal problems.
In my heart, I truly wish and pray that our leaders and their subordinates would address our deepest concerns. If they want us to vote them into power, they must convince us that they genuinely care about the struggles of our lives and they must show us in real terms by the congruency of their actions and policies that they are sincere in working towards our betterment.
But do we see it? We see so many new policies and projects with fancy sloganeering - all which need lots of public expenditure and look good in blue-print but may not necessarily work. While they may proclaim how much they are doing it for our good, our leaders must communicate with the rakyat on a deeper level - from their hearts to our hearts. We are not looking for fancy jargon or sentimental words, but rather through heartfelt expression translated into political actions which reflect their values. We do not need leaders or even former leaders to ridicule themselves with statements that bring shame to our nation in the international arena which may in fact cause a drop in FDI or even trade sanctions. There is absolutely no room for arrogance and self-glorification if they intend to serve the rakyat and the country.
Leaders with a heart can help us see and experience national unity and how we can work towards living in harmony in real terms by spreading messages of tolerance, equality and justice. Can they do that?
Throughout the history of many nations, we have seen how some famous political leaders made the most impact because of the messages they shared which spoke to citizens' desires, fears, anger, hope and love for the nation. Leaders like Martin Luther King demonstrated a beautiful combination passion with compassion, anger with resolve, and clarity of thought and language with inspiring vision. Upright leaders will naturally show a firm stand on justice and condemn ill-fated policies whilst spreading messages of hope and the vision of a promising future for all. Such leaders leave a legacy for others to emulate and to appreciate.
Reality bites. Do we see this in our country?
The next elections could happen sooner than we think. I am sure our political leaders desire to win our confidence to vote them again. If so, it they have to define our collective concerns and delineate these from their personal concerns. Their political agenda must be true and pure and their subordinates have to support them wholeheartedly and resist making a fool of themselves by coming out with conflicting statements. In short, they must not only address national issues but must also seriously consider the struggles and needs of the rakyat regardless of class, creed or color.
The time has come for leaders or aspiring leaders to put down their artillery being used against one another. They have to strip off their armor, to feel and reveal their genuine hearts to us, to speak to our hearts from their hearts.
The rakyat are tired...we are downtrodden, suffering and truly fed up with all that we see before our very eyes. Can the leaders please find in in their hearts to genuinely serve people and not give the impression that certain programs are being put into motion for other reasons than specified? Can our leaders find it in their hearts to uphold truth and justice and to ensure that all organizations/ bodies do the same without showing fear or favor to any party or group or individual?
If they can do all that and show us that they have a heart to serve the rakyat and this country and not their own party or hearts or interests, I am sure the rakyat will vote them into power.
If not, it will be a defining moment in our country when we voice our discontent via the ballot box.
It is all up to them. Show us you have a heart! We do have hearts that feel and care and we remember too, even if you may have forgotten...
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16 comments to DO YOU HAVE A HEART FOR THIS COUNTRY?
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Unknown Dear Nick
What a passionate response you have shared with us here! Thanks for being so honest and open. I truly hope that your comment will move the hearts of other Malaysians to do the needful i.e. to work hard in lobbying amongst the unconverted to register as a voter and also to vote the current regime out.
You have rightly pointed out that one cannot have blind loyalty even if others insist. In actual fact, such emotions will blind us from seeing reality as it is.
I pray that the Almighty will work in marvelous ways to convict the hearts to citizens and use us via the ballot box to effect change.
Our country has so much potential and no one has the right to rob us of its resources or our opportunities to live here peacefully and prosperously. We have a wonderful populace but sadly, the minds of some have been poisoned and influenced by corruption and greed.
It is time we take back what is rightfully ours and I am glad you are doing your best to make sure that happens. I am doing that too!
Together - we can.
Take care and may the Almighty guide and protect our nation and all of us.
Salam
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Anonymous The only problems M has is the undisputedable fine leader like LKY not settle down as yet !
Nevermind, hope he will survive to witness the dooms of his evils surface, and all will save their spit for his eventual statue built on 100 feet valley ground.
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 11.49 a.m.
How true!
He is accountable to his Maker and I am sure he will face a deluge of spit and vomit one day!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Take care and may you and yours have a great weekend.
Shalom
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Anonymous YES I DO !
And may GOD THE ALMIGHTY unleash
his wrath on those who brought this country to such a state of segregation.
It pains in the heart to feel that all that good Malaysians has put in for the betterment of the country as a citizen turning upside down and habouring fear of what's going to come next.
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 12.40p.m.
Thank you for your passionate response. I am encouraged that there are fair-minded Malaysians like you who feel the outrage.
May more step out and voice their discontent that the powers that be will realize that no matter how powerful they are, power is in the rakyat.
Take care and may the Almighty bless and guide us.
Salam
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Anonymous Sweetheart, it is no co-incidence that Malaysia has become what it is today - screwed.
It is the consequence of bad judgment by the millions of moronic Malaysians who voted in the BN government general election after general election. These are the peace-loving but short-sighted fools who are now paying the price for their moronic mistake of imagining that the BN government will change for the better. The reality is they won’t. Even if they do, it won’t be for the better. It is like releasing a serial rapist because some moronic female psychologist argues that given time and medical treatment the unrepentant rapist will rehabilitate only to find him raping again and again until the same rapist finally find, rapes and kills the moronic psychologist in her own home.
You asked, “Do you have a heart for this country”? Do they? No, I really don’t think so. In fact none of them in the so-called R.A.H.M.A.N. prophesy really cared for the country. They only cared for a particular racial segment of the population and that’s it. Their thoughts, actions, policies, and funds all went to building a RACE, NOT A COUNTRY. Nation building my ass!
For those who are reading my comments; if you wish to continue to vote BN, then YOU are the moronic female psychologist and YOU will get what YOU deserve.
For those who would want to lock up the bastard and throw the key away, you’ll be saving not only your family, but other families too.
Don’t EVER vote for BN. It’s like signing your own death certificate.
Listen to the lady – Vote Pakatan Rakyat. It’s your ONLY hope for a better future.
StraightTalking
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ahyam From ahyam to a most beautiful
red rose,
Your writings portray you as
truly having "a heart for this
country"!
You will win many a heart with your
heart-felt undeceiving dose,
And may all readers of your article
use their 'otak' to see through
the tyranny and the crookedness
and vote wisely to make the
country free!
Please REGISTER to vote ... dear
fellow countrymen if you have
not done so,
Every singly vote counts and is
very very precious ... act now
and please do so!
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Anonymous Very Sad indeed. In the heydays of the 60s, when Malaysian are growing up, we understand the world of balance and unassuming responsibility.. Or is it that when it have all this richest that spoil the appetite of the country with Rich Kid Running Around and calling the shot?
The hardest ache is to adopt policy, habits and practise of a far less advance and corrupt system.
Malaysian are peddling backward with BN. GOD BLESS MSIA.
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Unknown Dear Straight Talking
Once again, my appreciation to you for your sharp and no holds barred comment to awaken us to reality.
For far too long, Malaysians had been fooled into believing that myths were reality and vice versa. Out of sheer ignorance and complacency plus bad judgement, the status quo remained unshaken.
The problems we face are serious with far-reaching consequences and I feel a sense of urgency and to a certain extent panic as well.
This is why I keep on writing with the hope that my humble offerings in cyberspace can make us reconsider the cards that lay before us. We need to find our hearts again...really!
It is our moral responsibility to save this nation and prevent it from sinking any more. Thanks for your strong exhortation.
God bless you!
Shalom
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Unknown Dear AhYam
Many thanks for your supportive comment and for standing with me in the call for eligible Malaysians to register as voters and to vote.
How true! Every single vote counts...Almost 4.4 million have to do it.
Dear Malaysians, I implore you - delay not for time is running out.
Take care, AhYam and God bless you and yours.
Warmest regards
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Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 3.20 p.m.
I appreciate your melancholic comment. It is very sad indeed. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and our nation is a far cry from what it used to be during those glorious years when we were still basking in independence and new found unity and harmony.
Materialism, greed, corruption and secularization have all set in to contribute to the rot. The lack of genuine statesmen who have the welfare of the nation in their hearts has meant that we are now struggling in the wilderness...
We have to move forward and the only way is to vote for Pakatan Rakyat!
Thanks for sharing your views. God bless you and yours.
Shalom
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jtba Dear MWS ,
Don't waste your breath... you are asking the politician
" animals " to be swayed by your appeal and to change their spots ???
Your literary & communicative skills are being wasted on them.
Pearls to the .....
I will be criticised for this post.
I accuse all of us here as just being " syiok sendiri ".
How many fence sitters , how many
unregistered voters did this article ( mind you MWS , you write
wonderfully well) or any of our replies have been successful in
converting them to vote wisely ?
I dare say NIL , ZILCH , KOSONG .
How many friends / folks have we identified as Unregistered voters in the last 4 weeks / months ???
Pessimist you say , realistic & honest I rebut .
My point is that we as a group have been like friends going on a fishing trip to a pond which has no fish , or using the wrong bait . Yet we console ourselves that we are doing the right thing and that fishing is fun . In politics , it's the winners who take all the spoils and losers
have no place under the Sun .
I confess that I do not have the 'right bait ' or know which pond is teeming with fish , but I know that if we are honest in that we have NOT been getting any 'conversions ' in the last few months , then we have to find NEW INPUTS and change the strategy or else we will still be
stagnant and get no where .
I am NOT suggesting that you stop writing/blogging .
Only after we have identified our mistakes , and only then , can we hope for any Success in catching
any fish .
Fishing , anyone ?
Salam .
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LC Teh They think they know that citizens' votes can be bought or coerced at the last moment during their campaigns. So, in the mean time they do their darndest, dirtiest works. They have to win their own supporters first. The hell with the rest. Then, when the elections draw near, they hide their dirty hands and smile like angels and hope others are as stupid & ignorant....
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Unknown Dear JTBA
Thanks for your passionate response and sincere comments.
Don't worry! I do not take offense easily :-) and am always open to suggestions and constructive criticisms. Thanks for your encouraging comment re my blogging/writing :-).
I have not forgotten your suggestions and my pledge to do a post on encouraging registration of voters and will do so by this weekend. Have to shape the nature of the post for an effective post which can then be passed on by others.
Actually, I deliberately wrote this post not because I wanted to appeal to the leaders directly. :-) I know it is quite pointless but not without hope yet...
It was to elicit a response like yours!
It was to make all of us realize that it is virtually hopelessto persuade them to have a heart and you have rightly identified the correct idiom re throwing pearls to the *****.
My objective in this post is to make readers realize that many leaders DO NOT have our interests at heart. Whose interests are they concerned about? Whose agenda are they advancing?
For myself, I do keep a record of whom I have approached and who has made a positive response by actually going to register.
A lot of work must be done.
4.4 million is a large figure indeed.
And you are right....we have to be fishers of men/women in this season...
Take care and God bless you for thinking far and deep about this topic. I am deeply encouraged by your caring and pragmatic stance.
Shalom
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Unknown Dear LC Teh
Many thanks for your wise, observant and timely comment. How sad but true.
All the more we must zero in on those who have not registered and help them to register and to vote in the next polls.
So much to be done and we cannot let this opportunity just slip by.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and observations. God bless you and yours.
Shalom
nick Sis,
"Melancholy" is what I'm feeling now. An utter sadness and depression caused by the slow destruction and disintegration of our beloved nation (no less by its leaders and government). With it too goes our society, our people and our future.
For some time now our leaders and government tried to deceive and trick it's people into believing that to be patriotic, one has to be unflinchingly loyal to the Government. This deception and treachery is evil in nature. Beguiling the citizen in endorsing the destruction of this nation by it's government and leaders themselves.
A government doesn't deserved an unflinching loyalty by it's citizen. ONLY a country deserved unbridled patriotism from it's people. NOT the government of the day. A government is elected by the people, to serve the people. And if the government of the day becomes the destructive element to the nation then it needs to be thrown out and the leaders punished for treachery. A quote by Mark Twain "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it" is in essence the correct or the true nature of patriotism. And this is what "they" do not want our people to learn and understand.
I'm ready for the next general election and I too have this rage and fury towards the destruction of our nation of which I have shared with my family and friends. And together, we will do all we can to save this nation by voting and choosing correctly in the next GE. And this rage and fury will not be dampen by cheap sloganeering and hypocritical speech and action. Enough is enough! Four decades of destruction is intolerable. Lets us all be correct in our patriotism. Loyalty to our country at all time and to the government WHEN they deserve it (ONLY when they deserve it!).
Hamba.
GOD bless this nation of ours, Sis and may GOD hear our prayers too.