It's Election Day in Malaysia and results show the opposition taking at least five states. It's absolutely fantastic and I didn't see it coming so I am really moved and happy.
I've never voted in my life before, due to various reasons I have always been out of the country during elections but my parents and most of my dad's family in particular have been long-time DAP supporters. I remember my fourth aunt telling us of how my late paternal grandmother would ride in BN buses to the election booths because everyone knows that BN has bigger budgets and therefore more comfortable buses and provide Milo and biscuits whereas DAP buses are never that comfortable. But when she comes out of the booth she will tell my aunt that she voted for the 'rocket' party.
My dad advised us not to be involved in politics, and even my friends would not openly say who they would vote for. This year though, people have been wearing red t-shirts in public to show their DAP allegiance; we have definitely come a long way. For many generations we have accepted the deplorable state of affairs with resignation and hunker down to look after our own. Perhaps after today, with the BN majority hanging in such precarious balance things will improve. I hope the new MPs would work hard for the rakyat and be able to make a difference. Malaysia Boleh!
