Merdeka!

We have a new beginning in Malaysia. News is also beginning to filter in on the reactions by various parties. I thought that I'd put down what I think are some good ideas for the Opposition 2.0 to try to think about. I'm hoping that the opposition will not disappoint but I have a sinking feeling that they will.

Local Elections
I am hoping that the local councilors in the opposition states will now be elected democratically instead of being appointed. It should not be too difficult to implement a form of local elections for people like the mayor too.

Shadow Cabinet
The rakyat have been asking for this for ages. They have no excuses now. The opposition has enough numbers in parliament to form an effective shadow cabinet and create a real check and balance for the ruling government.

Real Proposals
Now, the opposition can no longer make random promises as they have to deliver on the promises. If they want to get rid of the NEP, please give a solid proposal on what to replace it with. Meritocracy and fairness are not proposals.

Racial Politics
Personally, I find it kind of disappointing that the opposition are playing the same racial game that nobody is interested in anymore. Multi-racial politics is still racial politics. They have a chance of changing the political landscape totally, but they seem to be oblivious of it.

Work Together
Instead of cultivating an us vs them mentality, the opposition should invite participation from the ruling government. In fact, the government should do that too, by inviting opposition MPs into the cabinet. People should be selected based on experience/skills, and not who they kowtow to.

Let's all hope that our dreams don't turn into nightmares. Let's not fall back into the same rut that we've just managed to dig ourselves out of.