The 13th Malaysian General Election will be the most significant turning point in our nation’s history—second only to independence and the formation of Malaysia itself. For the first time ever, all 222 parliamentary and 505 state assembly seats will be contested, breaking the long-standing tradition of BN winning seats uncontested on nomination day.
Before nomination day, like many Malaysians, I believed the BN juggernaut would inevitably scrape together a simple majority to form the next federal government. But after conversations with family, friends and personal experiences on the ground, I’ve had a change of heart.
The sentiment for change is stronger than ever. It is raw, heartfelt and undeniable.
Unlike previous elections, where Pakatan Rakyat (PR) campaigned mostly on anti-BN sentiment, this time, they have something even more powerful: a proven track record– especially in Penang and Selangor.
In Penang, BN’s mismanagement left the state with RM 630 million in debt in 2008. In just five years, the PR government slashed that to RM 30 million– a 600 million reduction.
And no, they didn’t achieve this through austerity measures. In fact, public spending increased, funding:
- RM 500 million Affordable Housing Fund
- RM 100 assistance for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and single mothers
- RM 1,000 bereavement contributions
- RM 12 million annually for independent and partially-aided schools
- RM 200 million SME Centre and SME Village
- 150% increase in Islamic affairs funding
Meanwhile, in Selangor, the state’s cash reserves grew from RM 1.2 billion to RM 2.6 billion– the highest in history– all while increasing social programs like:
- RM 300 million Selangorku grant for entrepreneurs
- RM 100 million for the State Housing Development Board
- RM 50 million Selangor Women’s Empowerment Fund
- Free clean water program
Even Kelantan and Kedah, two of the country’s poorer states, showed fiscal discipline. The 2011 Auditor-General’s Report highlighted that Kelantan’s consolidated fund grew by 58.1%, and state investments surged tenfold from RM 16.3 million to RM 111.3 million.
These fiscal achievements raise a fundamental question:
Why aren’t other BN-controlled states– or even the Federal Government– performing at this level?
The same 2011 Auditor-General’s report paints a bleak picture for the nation’s finances:
- National debt: RM 456.12 billion (highest ever recorded)
- Deficit: RM 42.24 billion (4.8% of GDP) despite 16.1% increase in government revenue
It’s clear: Malaysia needs new leadership.
We need a federal government that is:
- In touch with the Rakyat, not disconnected from reality
- Focused on eliminating corruption and leakages, not enriching cronies
- Committed to social balance, not racial and political divisions
- Creating a competitive business environment, not stifling innovation
- Elevating education standards, so we can escape the middle-income trap
- Prioritizing environmental sustainability, before it’s too late
BN had over 50 years to prove themselves. I believe they started with good intentions, but absolute power, over time, has corrupted them absolutely.
On 5th May 2013, I will cast my vote. I will make my voice heard.
And if enough Malaysians feel the same way, we may just wake up to a new dawn in Malaysia.