A fellow blogger whose blog I read regularly wrote me recently on the intention to set up a website for writers to articulate their views on the state of affairs in the country. This is in view of the landslide victory of the ruling coalition recently of which the effects of the landslide is seen for the next five years, rocks, mud and debris are raining down on the man on the street. Press freedom is lacking, alternative voices and opposing views are muffled hence the need for more platforms for views to be exchanged and debated upon. I was glad that such efforts are forthcoming. Malaysians need to talk and be heard and websites such as these will promote a healthy exchange of ideas and views. However I discovered that this particular website would be affiliated to a certain political party, I have my apprehensions and wrote a reply, feel it would be good for me to share my reply so that some of my peers can comment and help me out in my struggles.
dear sir,
Thanks for the invitation. As I have mentioned in my earlier mail, I am interested if my small contribution can help in making a better and more civil malaysia. Having said that, I must note my concern that the website that you are planning would be affiliated to a political party. I have nothing against the party concerned as I was also involved in one way or another when the injustice was done to DSAI. However I must admit that I have very little faith in the integrity of some leaders of the party. People can change and I hope they will over time but IMHO if a website is affiliate to any political party then it's effectiveness would be limited as views expressed within it would inevitably be perceived to flow in line with the agendas of the party concerned. The website may never have the benefit of reaching the entire cross section of the population. I strongly feel that while it is our common intention of bringing about positive change, we have to accept and adopt a realist point of view to the predicament we are in. I have to be honest to state that I do have very little faith in some of the present leaders. They were afterall the very same people who resided in the corridors of power when the judiciary was desecrated, when injustice was committed to the opposition, in fact many of them conducted themselves poorly in many incidents which I shall refrain to mention. The way APCET was broken up remains fresh in my mind, the burden I feel in my heart is real and heavy, sadly I do not have all the answers. Being involved in the business world for the last 15 years has impressed upon me that it is impossible for a tiger to change its' stripes, sadly this is true for the present batch of leaders we see in all political parties. With the exception of some who had been consistently consistent in their position and view points. We need leaders of integrity and vision, sadly we lack. With the education system the way it is and the lure of material riches, it would be a long time before change is possible.
I do not wish to bore you with all my thoughts but I do hope you could consider having a independent website that would point out the evils and wrongs in the present system without fear or favour albeit when it involves any party, not just BN. I believe in the need for reformasi, I disagree with what was done to DSAI, it was unjust, unfair and evil, while I will speak against the perpetrators and condemn their actions and scheming mind I must say I am not a fan of DSAI. People of integrity must be prepared to stand and be counted and even when it is obvious that they stood the risk of getting stoned for taking the stand, it is extremely sad that many choose to adopt moral high ground only when they have been wronged by the very system/establishment which they adore and cherish when they were the ones wielding power. Being affiliated or sponsored by any party will render your efforts an uphill task for afterall in this big drama, the cast of actors remain the same, they just take on different roles as and when it is expedient for them to do so. If you choose to bring about change in the way which you think is best, you will still have my highest respect and regards for taking the effort, in which case please let me know how I can contribute to your efforts.
God Bless!
edmund
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