Malaysian grew up before our eyes yesterday!
But the journey is far from over..and even in our celebration, we can take steps towards a more mature democracy.
Despite the historic nature of this election, it cannot be denied that it was (and still is) marred by the same diseases of the past:
petty name-calling and labelling, racism, an inability to agree to disagree - just to name a few.
No side in this election was immune from such diseases.
We as a people have to strive for an Independence, a Merdeka, from such characteristics;
to have adaab (etiquette) in democracy.
A good place to start would be to distance ourselves from blind partisanship; meaning, that the party I support is absolutely right and everybody else is absolutely wrong.
Let us instead recognise that in this new Malaysian Spring, the flowers which will bloom shall be in the form of diverse political views - often in competition and disagreement, but altogether a sign of a healthy garden.
Let those flowers bloom, do not crush them.
We may disagree with the views of other Malaysians - find them repulsive, even stupid.
But it is only if we can agree to disagree in a mature manner, to respect others’ right to hold an opinion we don’t agree with, that this new Malaysia can be a better one.
Let us realise that those you disagree with are fellow Malaysians. Often, family and friends. Accept them as human beings, and treat them as you expect to be treated.
This doesn’t mean you should keep your views quietly to yourself. The freedom to express one’s views, after all, is a sign of a healthy democracy.
So go ahead and try to convince others. Discuss. Debate, even.
But realise that the worst argument is to tell others, emotionally, to “shut up”;
that just shows how weak your own stand is.
Stay cool.
Show good akhlaq.
Have adaab.
P.s. Congratulations, Malaysia.
Truly I am especially proud today to be Malaysian. If one day I am blessed to have children and grandchildren, I will surely tell them of the day our country achieved her 2nd Merdeka, InsyaAllah!
#MalaysiaMenujuNegaraRahmah
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