February, 2008

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said it best whilst campaigning for Barisan Nasional in Kelantan. “Give us four years,” he said. “And if we don’t deliver, kick us out.” If only this basic principle of democracy could be applied nationwide. Because that is what democracy is about – the right to choose, and if promises are not delivered, then a change of hands is warranted. A proper functioning democracy has built-in accountability in the fact that a sub-performing candidate can be replaced. There should be no fear of change, nor should there be threats made against people voting for change. Because in four year’s time, if they don’t like what they see, they have every right to vote in another government, local or national.

It is with this in mind that I ask you, if you vote in the Seri Setia DUN in Kelana Jaya, to seriously consider voting for Nik Nazmi, who is running under the Keadilan banner. You can read and view what he stands for on his blog linked above, but here’s what I want to say on the matter:

Regardless of what your sentiments are against the party itself, or the distaste you may have for its founders, or the skepticism you have towards the party’s overall credibility; I can offer you my word that Nazmi is a candidate that transcends all that. I vouch for his character, his integrity and most of all his earnestness and sincerity in wanting to make a difference. You may think he is too young, but I argue that age is on his side. He is young enough to believe in ideals; he is young enough to believe that change can be made, and what are we voting for if not for positive change?

Let’s move away from this fixation that political parties revolve around figureheads that we love to hate; let’s move away from petty issues such as revenge; let’s not get caught up in the mudslinging that comes around every time the elections are around the corner.

This is serious businesss. Times have changed, things have changed and we cannot afford to lull ourselves into continually accepting the status quo out of misplaced fear. Let us focus on the greater good for our children and their children’s children. The way forward for us, as a generation, is with that one vote that you make. Let’s make democracy work.

Vote for him because he is a do-er. Vote for him because have faith, with promises made, InsyaAllah he will deliver. Vote for him because you have faith in democracy, and that if he falls short of the mark in four years, you can always vote him out again. (Although I am sure you won’t).