GE13: Change (Ubah) ... Part 2

What are we hoping for in this GE13? Hope for “change” or in Malay language, “Ubah”. What is “change (ubah)” means? There are many interesting concepts about “change”. In ancient Greek philosophy, Heraclitus claimed that change is the only constant in the world. In contrast, Parmenides believed change is impossible.

In science, Newton’s first law of motion (known as inertia) claims that “an object that is at rest will stay at rest (unchanged) unless an external force acts upon it. Meanwhile, an object that is in motion will not change its velocity unless an external force acts upon it.

Applying Newton’s law into current Malaysian politics, UMNO/Barisan Nasional (BN) has been stay at rest for over 50 years. They will continue to stay at rest forever unless an external force acts upon it. The longer it digs in to stay at rest – or stay at ease – the bigger force needed to move it.

Nonetheless, this “force” has finally gathered enough strength to form the Reformasi wave after Anwar Ibrahim was controversially sacked as Deputy Prime Minister. Subsequent waves of motion continued with Makkal Sakhti, Bersih and Stop-Lynas mass public rallies. All demand for change.

Besides fighting justice for Anwar, Reformasi wave demand for change of government led by Mahathir Mohammad. Makkal Sakhti hope for a positive change to Indian community, claimed to be a marginalized group under the BN ruling government.

Bersih demand free and fair election, which is a change from commonly believed dirty-and-corrupted elections practices by BN regime over these years. Stop-Lynas rally demand for government to change its decision from granting to stopping operating license to a potentially radioactive hazardous rare earth processing company.

After their moral defeat in the last 12^th General Election (GE), BN has self-proclaimed to have changed through their transformation program. However, the “change” that the people demanded is not merely “transformation”. A paradigm shift is needed to combat deeply rooted corruption, cronyism, political of fear, racism, and suppression of freedom as well as manipulation of mass media. To enable this paradigm shift, a change of government is needed.

Therefore, BN propaganda asked for “stability” to protect their evil interest. Many developed countries include the United States do change their government many times with stability and progressive economy. What BN want is not stability but political dominance. In fact, Pakatan state government Selangor, Penang and Kedah offer stability after transition of power post 12^th GE. Indeed, it is BN that cause instability in Perak.

Therefore, be brave to change (ubah). This 13^th GE provides Malaysians the best golden opportunity to do so. Ini kali lah!!