Renewing Despair? Or is there still hope?

A powerful quote from the "Addendum" is worth mentioning:

" ... What really needs to be prioritised in advancing Malaysia's actual place within the region and world today, and what Malaysia might want to tout internationally is the nation's achievements based on merit, capacity to compete and technological advancement. This will require putting aside the baggage of race and religion which has acted as a drag-see our loss of human talent and the brain drain since the NEP- and reforming national policies on education, agriculture, industry, innovation, and equity to prepare for the real challenges of tomorrow. Malaysia, if it is going to take up the challenges of today and tomorrow, at both regional and international levels must radically change its perspectives and policies to be race, religion and class blind while drawing on the best from all Malaysians. ... " (Addendum, pgs. 156-157)

Powerful notions of hope emerge in this passage: it's an ideal that can be translated into political action should the socio-political consciousness of the people be raised by way of a responsive, intelligent and ethical system of education.

In this world of Malaysian political despair, in which things have fallen apart and the center cannot hold, the authors have not only provided a statement of hope, but also suggested a way to think and act, even as we collectively resist the onslaught of yet more and different gangs of political parties set to orchestrate attempts to take over the state, come General Elections-15. A glimmer of hope is provided: a "third force" needs to provide a contrast to the "Theatre of the Absurd" that is current Malaysian politics.

But will this glimmer remain? Or is this still just the beginning of a shift in voter-consciousness, the effect of previous changes now trumpeted as "a new vision for Malaysia"?

Murray Hunter and Lim Teck Ghee'sMalaysia Towards GE-15 and Beyond is a must-read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the change that they wish to see for their children's Malaysia.