What Went Wrong

The much awaited elections are over, the results are in and life goes on. Many are not happy with the results for speculations went wrong. While the faithful phone was working overtime last night with updates of informal and formal results pouring in, hopes were getting high from the lows and vice versa.

It was the talk of the town, from coffee shops right up to business meetings where everyone was more interested in the possible formation a new government. Was it too much a wishful thinking that there would be a change of was everyone blinded by their own shortsightedness. There were undoubtedly moods of change screaming through the electronic media but was this the true reflection of the nation as a whole, especially at the more rural areas of the peninsular and east Malaysia which made up of more seats compared to the urban areas where main stream media still is the nucleus.

For many in the urbanized parts of the country, the cash handouts through various political marketing schemes were seen as vote fishing, but these petty sums for some, meant something for the rural poor. And this is what that gave the ruling coalition another term in the corridors of power. I am not saying the polls were just neither am I saying it was adulterated. Look deeper into the results and it will answer certain questions.

When I was asked about the results prior to the election, I did not expect a change in the government but speculated for certain states to have a new administration. Many told me I was pessimistic and I was also lambasted for not being a registered voter. This would have been my third vote should I have registered upon turning twenty one. For that, I used to always just laugh out loud saying that no one would ever win by a one vote majority and Penang was sure a clean sweep. Not doing my duty as a citizen, maybe. But, I have my own reasons for choosing to do so.

As the results were coming in and the winner becoming more apparent, the faithful phone started going frantic once more, this time around with people expressing dissatisfaction and a sense of disappointment. I have to admit that I wasn't happy myself with the results, but I saw it coming. Despite the mental preparation, it did hit me to a certain degree.

What this polls have thought me is that to always look at the bigger picture and not be influenced by your immediate surroundings. 

That said, its not a total loss for the opposition and it isn't victory spelling success for the coalition. There isn't the much needed 2/3 majority and it is thinner compared to the previous election. Much is needed to be done for a better Malaysia.

The results are going to be another coffee shop session and business meeting talks. Thankfully for me, now that I am no longer in the business world, I can excuse myself from the business talks but may succumb to the coffee shop talk as it's always interesting to have different sights and views on the same matter.

All said, I will still not register myself as a voter and do not wish to be actively engaged in politics though many still pester me to do so, register that is, and always ask for statistical analysis on the possible outcomes.  It was very tiring in the run up to the elections answering different quarters with a different lingo almost each time. Equally tiring is consoling all those who had high expectations and lost hope along the way, post elections. 

What matters now is for me to complete my studies and graduate within due course. After that, it'll be full gear trying to secure myself in a place where I can live legally with my partner. 

This may be the reason why I'm not looking at registering myself as no matter who comes into power, my boy and I would never be able to live here legally. 

Selfish? Hell yes! Right or wrong, this is my opinion and I know I'm entitled to one.