New Dawn

In 2008, I was a year shy of being an eligible voter. Being far away from home, all I could do was following the election news update via social media. Vendetta mask was widely displayed, as well as the movie quotes were popularised in emphasising the significance of people's voice. It was also the first time I heard of a louder voice of wanting change for the country. 

In 2013, the queue outside of my designated polling station was super long before sunrise. My younger, ineligible friend was so excited to feel the hype of UBAH and we waited in the line together. Restriction of journalism and speech did not hinder the people to campaign about the change we wanted. People from all over world were making an effort to cast their votes despite the physical distance. We saw unity in Bersih and felt united on election day. However, this year, we experienced the dirtiest and darkest election fraud in the history of GE. The result pained us so much we thought we could never see the change come albeit people were flocking in to vote. 

That year, people lived in shadows of arising scandals and name of country made to hall of shame worldwide. 

Before GE 14, the angst of people ignited with anticipation of injustice, bias and tricks from 5 years ago. 

People learnt from carelessness and were more cautious before election.
People advocated gotong-royong concept from educating voters, sharing transportation, to guarding polling stations.
People were not complaining about the traffic and hot weather.
People were hopeful and resourceful, especially the overseas voters for bringing the ballots back. 
People have one goal and we find ways to achieve it within short period of notice - it's like the reality of amazing race! 
People are united as one nation regardless of races and religions.

I will not say any political party is winning in this 'demand of change' battle but we, the people, are. Quoted from the movie - 'Government should be afraid of their people' - realized in Malaysia's victorious history on 9 May. Again, we are incredibly proud of our BOLEH spirit. We are just unstoppable the like of how we deal obstacles with kampung spirit. This feeling has been long lost - we waited in line, pulled all-nighter for results together, cheered with indellible-inked finger, and smiled at each other because we know why.

Historical moment. Hopeful Malaysians. I am part of 509 change. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wednesday's Frisbee Day

Image
You would not know how much Ultimate Frisbee has meant to us. Friendship, fun, and precious memories on and off the field. Robbstar suggested us to join a club. We encouraged ourselves walking to Oval 7. We took up a stomach of courage to mingle with Caucasians. We looked over our shoulders for others' amazing throw. Eventually, Nathan's ponytail and warm greeting relieved our anxiety. JJ remembered our Chinese names so well without slight confusion on ice-breaker session. Alex always initiated a talk. Kaitlin asked us to come over their table for dinner after our first game. Taylor gave me too much information about his funny family in our second or third game. Julian happily allowed us to lift his skirt. We got Brenton to talk gibberish about his lung inside his body. The next season we returned to the field, we were familiarised with most of the people already. And Nathan? He never gets tired of inviting us to any occasion and he's still our top favourite Aussie ever! Ul...
Read more

Who shall be the next on the altar

Image
Attended my cousin sis' wedding and it was the best I've ever attended and had fun with all my family members. Guess what, we owned the dance floor and everyone was so keen to join us after us warming up the floor. Grandparents from both sides were laughing and clapping on the beat. The best part of all was, the hired singer cheekily requested "I'd play you a song before we call it a night, with one condition - YOU ALL MUST DANCEEEEEE!" And he sang and played ABBA!!!!!!! I was secretly praying for Lady Gaga's Just Dance since they played Wavin' Flag in the beginning of dinner, which was kinda awkward as Paraguay vs Spain was in the game that night itself. And that's what you do when someone tried to steal your floor as well as limelight. 6 of us - 2 were already happily married within a year. Who's next? You bet.
Read more

Snacks with identities

Image
Back in The Manors, there were some remarkable groceries which defined a tenant's individuality and distinctive tastes that would easily be identified in the kitchen cabinets and super small refrigerator. So by looking at these spectacular snacks, you will point at it and confidently say, "OMG! This is so You!" My roommate, Robbster Cabinet: Cadbury, Darell Lea, and other Australian brand chocolate bars and confectioneries; unique tinned box's biscuits purchased during Easter's Day; various 1kg cereal boxes; Fridge: Greek cheese, fruity cheese, Nude juices, Ski/Yoplait/Home brand yoghurts, lite/low fat milks, more carrots and tomatoes and chicken thighs/fillets, Sara Lee's ice-cream, some special dessert. They were more but the point here is, she is voted as the most health-conscious fellow among three of us. My housemate, Debbie Cabinet: Korean spicy/seafood/Shin/Jae-Jyung Myeon instant noodles; Instant mushroom soups; dried pasta and pasta white sauces; 3-in...
Read more