Stop That Racism!

I'm really quite annoyed.

We've just managed to get our act together and make a collective statement through the elections and now, we're already on each others' backs making demands.

I keep receiving this stupid SMS which reads:

The Opposition should elect Manoharan as Deputy Menteri Besar of Selangor and Ramasamy as Deputy Menteri Besar of Penang. Please send to all makkals!

(I am highly entertained to note that some of these senders of the 'concerned' SMS did not vote in the recent elections. What was that saying about empty vessels?)

Now I presume this Manoharan chap is our favourite ISA detainee. He has reasonably good leadership qualities, so I have no huge issues with it. But who is this Ramasamy dude? And why on earth do the deputy MBs have to be Indians??

Are all these SMS-sending, rumour-mongering fools (who are only making the telecommunications industry a lucrative one to delve into) convinced that only someone of their own ethnic background could represent them effectively?

If that is so, then the MB should be a Malay, as the number of Malays in Penang is larger than that of the Indians. Do you fools not use those brain cells of yours?

It's not only the Indians who display this form of stupidity. The Chinese have joined the fray, wanting Ngeh to be Menteri Besar for Perak, simply based on his race.

For the love of God, this 3rd world mentality of race-based politics never seems to end. For all that voting against racism, which is the backbone of Barisan Nasional's divide and conquer policy, we still embrace it and are determined to implement it.

I echo Nathaniel Tan, when he says:

Is a person’s ethnicity or religion really that relevant? Can't we just pray for a GOOD MB? One who is honest, compassionate and capable?

Our elected representatives have been living here all their lives (with the notable exception of Kera Jantan and Gwo Burne). Do you think they have not interacted with Malaysians of other ethnic groups during their lifetime?

Is the economy, public infrastructure, human rights, poverty, education, national security, and other issues all race-specific?

Worse, are you of the opinion that the people whom you have voted in are blithering incompetents?

If not, you bunch of turds have simply got to stop spreading rumours. And sending SMSes. Save your money, we're heading into recession and while our new line-up of elected representatives seem capable, I doubt there's much they can do within such a short period.

If you really want to get the right information, go through the right channels. If you're a toilet-washer or road-sweeper, read the New Straits Times or The Star.

If you're a professional and have some sense of dignity, then read either Malaysiakini or Malaysia Today.

And please. Stop SMSing me with your pseudo-updates.