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Congratulations Malaysia! |
Yes, Barisan Nasional (BN), the coalition that has been in power for more than six decades since our independence from the British colonial has fallen. A new government is formed. A peaceful transition, something that was unthinkable in the past. After all, Malaysians who have read about May 13, 1969, would know of the unspeakable tragedy that happened 49 years ago.
But it happened. Despite the nail-biting moments while waiting for results as late nights turn into early morning. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad called a press conference declaring the win as midnight passed, claiming that the Election Commission (EC) was not willing to declare the outcome in polling stations that saw Pakatan Harapan (PH) won. But then it came. The public holidays as Mahathir has promised happened.
BN did acknowledged defeat but did not recognised the majority held by PH and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak came out with a press conference the following day at noon, saying that BN has lost but there is no majority, and that it is up to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide on the prime minister. Question marks raised? What is that supposed to mean? Did PH win?
Well, Mahathir, the man who has led the country for 22 years prior to this, came out an hour later, explaining the details and the fact that PH has won, and that he would be sworn in as the prime minister. And yes, from 5pm, it turns to 7 plus at night, and eventually at 9.30pm and later, Mahathir was sworn in as the seventh prime minister for Malaysia. It happened.
Congratulations Malaysians!
We have voted for a change and it happened. Suddenly, the whole world has to take a second glance at us. Democracy is real here. It's not just an election for the sake of having one but one that determines those who are irresponsible and not held accountable for be removed. And yes, it sends a message. If we can remove BN, we can also remove PH if they don't perform.
But despite the euphoria surrounding the "New Malaysia", it's just the beginning. There is a long way in the process but I'm optimistic. While there will be mistakes along the way, the results show that democracy has its meaning.
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