I read the papers today. The common topic was first anniversary of THE general elections. The one recognised as an earthquake or tsunami. The one that brought the ruling coalition to its knees in 5 states (4 now) and denying 2/3 majority in the parliament. In a way, after 50 years of independence, I guess its a renewal process. A rebirth of sorts. Not forgetting, the first general election to utilise the Internet and Web 2.0 to the opposition’s advantage.
The macro impacts of the election are manifold – more politicking among leaders, possibility of two-party system, more awareness of rights among the public, revelation of alleged irregularities in earlier administration, increase in interest in politics, innovative crimes and conspiracies, sprouting of NGOs unheard of before this, and new use for words like “katak”. Without doubt, having a strong opposition will benefit the public as there will be more effort from both sides to win over the public. However, of late, the economic crisis has put a dampener on things. The political spats are being seen as detrimental to the country and many think the energy should be spent on working together for economic revival. Wishful thinking I’ll say. I doubt the politicians have the “greater good” in mind. Its all about one-upmanship. Decisions are made with political stability and positions in mind.
Anyway, we leave the bigger impacts to the expert. What did 8 March do to me? Or to you? Any difference in your life, barring the the economic downturn?
Personally, I benefit from the free water in Selangor. The local council’s services is yet to improve to our expectations. Other than that, things are going on as usual. For me, the change of state government has little impact. Most likely due to the fact that I don’t use much of the services being offered. No school-going kids. Not involved in businesses or activities requiring permits. Nothing to do with quotas. I have not benefited from the welfare benefits offered by Selangor government like RM3000 for elders and RM1000 for university students. So, I guess I’m not a good candidate (yet) to judge the CHANGE. The increase in foreign workers, crime and cost of living is something which is not solvable within a year or two. Thus I doubt we can judge state governments on this areas (not to mention its beyond their powers). Anyway, I knew this much earlier, as the elections promises made by the parties quite generic and were not meant for people like me.
The federal government is also grappling with economic problem, party elections, power transition to new PM, and slow implementation. Crime rates not decreasing, corruption statistics unchanged, complaints increasing on government department, and many issues related to equal rights and racial discrimination always plague the ruling coalition.
In terms of secondary opinions, people I meet generally have a positive opinion on the Selangor government. Of course, if we read the papers, we can see all the alleged cases of previous government which tends to put the current government in better light. There are also complaints on current EXCOs and ADUNs but nothing big so far, other than Elizabeth Wong scandal.
One more glaring change is the increased noise from royal houses. More royalties are coming out with their statements and recently, the Kedah Royal Household even wants immunity resinstalled – something which is retrogressive, in my opinion. I think there will come a time when one has to let go. Things change.
Before I end, I guess what the PR state governments haven’t done is declaring their assets. They should do away with flimsy excuses like waiting for forms or the right time and JUST DO IT.