KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) – The “political tsunami” that hit the 12th General Election has changed the political landscape of the nation.
It has left many in a state of mental and emotional confusion that is visible in their actions.
Obviously the winners and losers must have lost their sleep, appetite or looking loss since the last few days. This state is not only being felt by the politicians but also the society in general.
However, one must remember not all are in a state of emotional or mental confusion because almost half of the voters, who have voted for the opposition pact, have celebrated the outcome with joy and “satisfaction”.
The smiling faces that I meet all over the place dont reflect accurately the term “political tsunami”.
In a more appropriate context here the “political tsunami” coined by the political observers seems only applicable to those who have lost their seats and mandate to rule.
While the real Dec 26, 2004 tsunami devastated Aceh and hit the coastal areas of Penang and Kedah causing tremendous loss of life and properties, the “political tsunami” robbed the political career of many and the Barisan Nasional (BN) of its two thirds majority for the first time in more than four decades.
Several ministers and deputy ministers have lost their seats and now possibly their cabinet positions too.
Many of the “wakil rakyat” also lost their seats, some are no ordinary names.
HOW ARE WE TO MANAGE THIS CHANGE
The election outcome saw several states ending up in the hands of the loose opposition coalition.
So how are we to manage this sudden change in the nations political landscape.
It is most pertinent that the people in general must be wise in accepting and managing the change that is happening and that is going to happen, as the result of the outcome of the general election.
By doing so, the people will be able to take control of the situation and avoid falling victim to any parties trying to exploit the situation. In essence, they must continue to play a positive role for the sake of the nation and the state where they live.
ACCEPT CHANGE
The people must accept that change is something inevitable in every sphere of their lives. Nonetheless, what may be a cause of concern is that how far this change is going to happen.
The election result this time definitely warrants us to accept a higher level of change that calls for greater understanding and tolerance.
A faint hearted will be overwhelmed by the emotional pressure, resulting in immature or childish actions and reactions.
The same goes to the winners and the losers of the polls.
The losing politician must be brave to accept the peoples verdict, accept defeat, and congratulate the victor. This is similar to the spirit of sportsmanship that we have been taught since our schooldays.
Meanwhile, the winners too should know their limits in celebrating their victory. They should never forget that while they are celebrating their victory, there are faces that reflect sadness and shock.
Also, there should be no attempt to point fingers at any parties as being responsible for their loss.
Now is the time for all Malaysians, regardless of whom they have voted for, to manage the change wisely. And for all the new “Yang Berhormat”, wishing all of you the best in your undertaking.
— BERNAMA
The writer is a Fellow with the IKIM Consulting and Training Centre (PPLI) Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM)[email protected]