To say Malaysia’s 14th General Election is historic is an understatement. It is and forever will be a game changer, not just for Malaysia but for the rest of the world. We may have waited 60 years to do so but when we set the bar, we set it high!
The whole nation held its breath and waited to the wee hours of the morning for the results. Needless to say it was intense and I was glued to my phone and TV (on a side note, kudos to Astro Awani for a great coverage)!
My Facebook timeline was flooded with juicy stories, fierce statements, funny images, revealing videos and unfortunately, abusive language. While my Twitter feed was filled with up-to-date news coverage from local and international media.
Everyone from my family, close friends to colleagues were all discussing about the election. People from all age group, from different races were engaged and it consumed us all. As a nation we are brought together by a number of things usually it involves some sporting activity such as badminton or football, so it was a refreshing change to have been brought together by politics.
However, I must also point out something which I found to be distasteful during this period. I didn’t like how the election changed people and their relationships. Fighting with each other by using hurtful words, is just uncalled for.
I totally get it when one feels they are entitled to their opinions by openly airing them on social media and even in WhatsApp groups. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. After all, it is your personal opinion. But you should never let the elections ruin your relationships - with friends, family, colleagues or employers.
I feel that as adults we can still have a healthy discussion without all the nastiness such as name calling and using obscenities. Why must it always involve someone’s mother’s private parts?
If you feel strongly about your camp, there are people who also feel strongly about theirs as well. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. That’s Netwon’s Third Law and you’re welcome ;)
Like I said, we are all entitled to choose what we want and we should never be judged or labelled negatively by anyone. I believe in what I believe in, and I know which logo to vote. Some of my friends are on the same boat, and some think differently. That is okay.
I make an effort to watch what I say when I speak to friends who may not have the same opinion as me. I listen to their points and arguments. I take note of it, and respect their conviction.
Does it in any way make me change my mind? No.
Does it make me a ‘traitor’ to the camp I believe? No.
Does it affect the elections result? No.
And most importantly, does it ruin my relationships with my friends? No!
The 14th General Election will be part of our national dialogue for years to come. We may have towering skyscrapers and fancy infrastructures but if we are not mature when it comes to our way of thinking then what’s the point of it all?
What I also cannot compute is the court of public opinion - a large group of people think they are entitled to “hukum” certain people, post election. No, you don’t have that kind of power.
The other thing that caught my attention during the election was how foolishly judgemental people can be. I saw a certain group of people who thought they were “involved” directly in the campaign by just posting and reposting things on their personal social media. I absolutely hate the word, keyboard warrior, but that aptly describes who they are.
You made a lot of noise, but some people may contribute in a big way but remain silent. I have friends who put their heart and soul in helping the camp they believe in, doing extremely important things, investing their time and money but remain chilled on social media. They don’t go around and start attacking family and friends.
We have shown the world that we are truly a democratic country by voting out a government that has been in power for over six decades. And above all, we did it without bloodshed. But let this not be it, let us continue to show the world that we can rise above the name calling to become a society that can engage in a meaningful conversation.
While some first world nations continue to devolve and move backwards, let us as Malaysians propel the country forward. Let our mindset be mature and let our speech be civil, and for once, let’s leave our mother’s private parts out of it!
To me, the friendship and love I have for my friends and family are extremely valuable. And I will not let GE14 ruin it. It’s Ramadan. It’s a good beginning. Let’s spread positivity and continue to build a nation that everyone can be proud of.
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