Out, Like a Light.
Every year I spend Merdeka with a bang. I’ve always done it, and not just for the drinking and the fact that it is a public holiday. I love the camaraderie, the revelers and the anticipation of fireworks and that all round feeling of love- for Malaysia and the founding fathers.
This year, I went home and slept. Somehow, I have become a little cynical, I guess idealists are allowed their moments of weakness sometimes. I am taking charge of my life this year, and making choices that I should make as a Malaysian who is disgruntled and dissatisfied with the choice of government we have elected in.
The day I turned 21, I registered to vote. That’s how important it is to me, and that’s how important I hope it should be to you. I’ve been met with apathy when it comes to voter registration and the actual voting process. I’ve met people abroad, Malaysians just like you and me, who have been disallowed to exercise their rights as citizens.
Since I am here, and so are you, we should do something about it this year. To show them we care, and no it’s not cool anymore to keep quiet and sweep things under the proverbial carpet.
PAS has one angsty Indian girl on their side, who wants to prove a point. Have a great rest of Merdeka.
Recommended reading: The Reluctant Politician, by Ooi Kee Beng.
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3 Responses to “Out, Like a Light.”
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oh. my. i didn’t even know about that voting thing for citizens overseas. bah
That’s the way! :) *has visions of little, growling votes of angry Malaysians coming up stealthily and giving them despots a good hard kick in the posterior*
I really hope so, I think this year will be it guys. I am crossing my fingers tight!