'We are defined as Malaysians'

Apparently there isn't much buzz surrounding next month's GE.

Yet.

I'm anxious to see how hangat it'll get with less than 2 weeks of campaigning for all political parties.

As a Malaysian who is abroad, I try to follow election-related news closely through daily perusal of our nation's top newspapers like the Star and NST.

Just days ago, I came across this little excerpt in the local Metro paper, reporting on our country's forthcoming GE.

Metro World, 15 Feb, 2008 - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a general election more than a year early. The move comes amid rising racial tensions and a slowing economy. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said the timing of the poll, on March 8, was a 'dirty trick'. Mr Ibrahim is excluded from the standing until April because of his criminal record. Mr Badawi is expected to win the poll with a reduced majority. He has also come under fire for the election schedule which allows only 13 days of campaigning.

So, rising racial tensions is how the world sees the situation back home.

Please tell me it's not true.

Or rather, I don't want to believe it's true.

***

NST online
By Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam
18 February, 2008

I WAS born in 1947, a time when the Indian independence was much talked about. There were a lot of political reading materials in my house when I was growing up.

I used to read all these and had a natural interest in politics. I joined the Muar MIC branch in 1969, the year I started teaching at Sekolah Menengah Rendah Sri Muar. I taught for 23 years before opting for retirement in 1992.

When I became active in politics, there were few Indian women who became politicians. My husband, Tan Sri Pasamanikam, contested the Batu Anam state seat in 1969. Every day after school, we would travel from Muar to Batu Anam -- a 90-minute journey. I enjoyed my visits to the estates, going from house to house.

The people were simple and hospitable. We campaigned to garner their votes for the Alliance (precursor to the Barisan Nasional which was formed in 1974).My husband used to campaign together with Tun Musa Hitam, who was the member of parliament for Labis. I also campaigned with the Umno wives.

It was an exciting experience for me. There was goodwill and unity back then, as opposed to now, where people are more calculative, eager to see what they can get in return for supporting the party. Even volunteers put self-interest first. If they are unhappy, they would quickly switch to the opposition. There is no conviction.

In 1970, I became the MIC state Wanita secretary and my chief was K. Jeya Letchumy. Together we built up the women's wing in Johor. In 1984, I became the MIC state Wanita chief. In 1992, I took the plunge into the deep end. I opted for retirement from teaching and became a senator until 1998.

As one of the few Indian women in politics then, I had no problems but sometimes, I wish I had done more for single mothers. It was an issue that dominated the Indian community then.

I also wish I had done more for the stateless people. Although we did highlight these problems, I feel that had we done more for these people, it may not have grown into such a big problem today.

As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi laments, our problem today is the implementation of policies and plans by the government.

The top leaders have always implemented plans to promote unity, tolerance and mutual respect for the different religions and cultures. I'm sad to see that some people instead create barriers between races. We have to look at each other as fellow Malaysians, rather than as people of different races and religions.

I think this year's general election will be a challenge with the Indian voters because of the emergence of the Hindu Rights Action Force. People are now openly discussing their unhappiness over some issues.I think it's not a bad thing, as instead of just sweeping the issues under carpet, our prime minister is willing to listen to these problems.I'm also happy to hear Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's assurance that he will look into all genuine grievances among the Indian community.

As for the opposition, I would say we cannot bank our hopes on them although some people are of the view that we need to have a strong opposition for check and balance.

I am currently the Tarom branch chairman. Although I have retired and am receiving a pension, I think I should serve the people for as long as I can. But I am not interested in coming back into politics. I speak as a former teacher who thinks it's the present generation's time and we should only guide them. Otherwise, when will they ever learn and lead?

Puan Sri Sarasa Pasamanikam is a former teacher and senator. She became a politician when she joined the MIC at the age of 21