The other night i was discussing my blog poll with a friend from Malaysia, and she was adamant that expats should vote in their national elections. As a Malaysian, she is denied this right, which readily reminded me that i too often take for granted rights which seem obvious, by which i mean naturally endowed, but in fact, are not so. If you're reading this and haven't voted in my blog, please do so, as i'm really interested in getting more input on this issue across the international spectrum!
Re Malaysia, the election just held there was a total upset to the ruling coalition party. Asia Times has a good article about the results. Four states were won by opposition parties, which means business as usual is potentially about to experience a radical change. Obviously the critique of neo-liberal, race-based elitism was stronger than the government anticipated:
Malaysian voters had until now tolerated corruption and authoritarianism among its leaders in exchange for relative social and economic stability....
And, in a message that should be taken to heart by their american counterparts this coming november:
It [the ruling party] had until now maintained political support by instilling fears, reiterated in the run-up to Saturday's polls, that a vote for the opposition would divide and weaken the nation....That significant numbers of Malays, Chinese and Indians voted for the opposition, despite the UMNO's fearmongering claims, will lessen the likelihood that discord will play out along racial lines.
So, it can be done. And Sze, i know you're angry that you couldn't vote, but at least these results should give you a little bit of vindication. Perhaps by the next election, the law that disallows your participation will have fallen by the wayside?
No comments:
Post a Comment