By social activist Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: “Common sense is a gift, and it is painful to watch people without common sense.” This adage holds true in our current situation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.
Many years ago, the then Prime Minister of Waiting, Anwar Ibrahim, was thought to be the game changer against political Jamokes in this country. We were embroiled in scandals that almost ripped the country to the point of bankruptcy under the UMNO and Barisan Nasional associates.
The events that led to the downfall of UMNO/Barisan Nasional and the rise of Pakatan Harapan 1.0, followed by its sudden collapse and the emergence of Perikatan Nasional.
At the height of a global pandemic, it was a tumultuous time for all of us from the end of 2019 to 2022. It had a profound impact on our society, altering the dynamic and rhythm of our lives. Many of us experienced the loss of friends and family due to COVID and faced financial strain.
We endured it all, hoping a new change for Malaysia. We fought a good fight, alas the birth of the “Madani” government, not to be confused with Pakatan Harapan 2.0, but a middle ground amongst the fighting giants.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The universe has given the Madani Government a fair chance to lead, opening our eyes to the possibilities. But did they seize the opportunity to clean up the mess left behind by the previous government and do what is right for the country based on the Constitution?
The most egregious example was the federal government’s challenge to Sabah’s 40% entitlement, which was never paid but changed and usurped by those in power. This is only possible due to the emergency ordinance that lasted for more than 40 years. After the emergency was lifted in 2011, this long overdue must be paid back to the State of Sabah.
Malaysians were appalled by the Prime Minister’s excessive focus on Palestinian issues. The hate program has infiltrated our education system with the blessing of the federal government. Are we educating our children to be hateful?
The purpose of education is to train our children, the new generation, to be confident, critical thinkers with continuous learning.
The Prime Minister extended global philanthropy by arranging for the transfer of an injured individual from war-torn Palestine to Malaysia for medical treatment.
What about the plight of your own people in Sabah and Sarawak who do not have access to medical facilities? In their particular case, pregnant women need to be dragged by a Buffola cart just to reach the main road and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
What about the thousands of Malaysians who have to endure long queues in government hospitals to receive treatment but die from their illnesses? These are some of the issues that need to be addressed before venturing into the world stage.
But yet again, you patronise Malaysians for expressing their view on our current state of affairs. As a reminder, you swore an oath to protect the Malaysian Constitution and its people. We want our Prime Minister back and to be Malaysia first.
“I remember when you were sitting alone at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, watching people pass by without a single person saying hello. By the grace of God, you have been allowed to do great things in this life, away from the mundane. Just like the long conversation you had on your plans with a bald person sitting next to you on a long flight.”
Madani “Jiwa Merdeka” through sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust.
