The Fall of the Young Ones
Today, I had it on very good authority that one of the Chosen Ones amongst the young leaders in this country, has sold out on his principles.
Like many others before him, he has started "giving out contracts" to his bunch of supporters, mainly non-Malays outside the party. There are things out there which look like "open tenders" but are not. It's all been pre-arranged and the open tender is just another sandiwara.
From a political strategy perspective, it makes sense. He wanted to build a strong support base, which did not have to depend on those within the party.
I feel naive again. He's one of the people amongst my peers who had the potential of going very far in his political career - perhaps, all the way to the top. And for a while, he looked like he was intent on doing it the "clean way" and regularly harped on integrity and reform issues within the party. After all, he had the option that many others did not, for political survival - strong family connections within the Government and the party.
I wonder whether his family knows. I wonder whether the patriarch of the family would be disappointed if he knew.
Perhaps within the party, integrity is just a relative word and most accurately describes the good people, who never make it very far. Or have to settle for party or Government positions, which are way below their capability or potential.
The question is: when even the Chosen Ones of the younger generation in the party have started to sell out on their principles, what is the chance that there will be a generational change, for the better? What if it changes for the worse?
One party senior I spoke to said this, "The younger ones in the party nowadays are even worse - more greedy, less virtuous, less calibre and with no sense of community above self." And this came from someone who was in the party since the Mahathir/Anwar golden days - when the election system was awash with money politics.
I worry more, for Malaysia today. Seems that even the most powerful of the young ones, are not spared the corrosive corruption within the party. What is to become of us, if we keep selling out on our nation?
Perhaps, what this country needs is a major crisis - to snap them out from this corruptive labyrinth. The system seems impregnable - hardly anyone in the party has managed to remain clean, for long.
Everyday, a Ph.D in New Zealand feels more appealing. So, this is what it feels like to feel old and weary. No wonder the old act like they do. Sometimes, it's hard to hope when there is very little, to latch your hope on to.
Like many others before him, he has started "giving out contracts" to his bunch of supporters, mainly non-Malays outside the party. There are things out there which look like "open tenders" but are not. It's all been pre-arranged and the open tender is just another sandiwara.
From a political strategy perspective, it makes sense. He wanted to build a strong support base, which did not have to depend on those within the party.
I feel naive again. He's one of the people amongst my peers who had the potential of going very far in his political career - perhaps, all the way to the top. And for a while, he looked like he was intent on doing it the "clean way" and regularly harped on integrity and reform issues within the party. After all, he had the option that many others did not, for political survival - strong family connections within the Government and the party.
I wonder whether his family knows. I wonder whether the patriarch of the family would be disappointed if he knew.
Perhaps within the party, integrity is just a relative word and most accurately describes the good people, who never make it very far. Or have to settle for party or Government positions, which are way below their capability or potential.
The question is: when even the Chosen Ones of the younger generation in the party have started to sell out on their principles, what is the chance that there will be a generational change, for the better? What if it changes for the worse?
One party senior I spoke to said this, "The younger ones in the party nowadays are even worse - more greedy, less virtuous, less calibre and with no sense of community above self." And this came from someone who was in the party since the Mahathir/Anwar golden days - when the election system was awash with money politics.
I worry more, for Malaysia today. Seems that even the most powerful of the young ones, are not spared the corrosive corruption within the party. What is to become of us, if we keep selling out on our nation?
Perhaps, what this country needs is a major crisis - to snap them out from this corruptive labyrinth. The system seems impregnable - hardly anyone in the party has managed to remain clean, for long.
Everyday, a Ph.D in New Zealand feels more appealing. So, this is what it feels like to feel old and weary. No wonder the old act like they do. Sometimes, it's hard to hope when there is very little, to latch your hope on to.
posted by Stingrayz | 3:37 AM
4 Comments:
Yes, Najah - in a manner of speaking. Care to join me in New Zealand? ;)
I wouldn't mind, but sheep isn't my thing. Australia would be a better option for me.
However, thinking about this more, where would Malaysia be if you left?
Hmm, but australia has sheep too!! Could it be that aussie sheep are more palatable? Seriously, when I hear something like this, I remember why I am such a cynic at times. Najah, how come you're not replying to any of my 'buzzes'?? Hmmph!
If we're all going to be cynics, that leaves the Fallen Ones to run the world.
$#%$@%^!!!
xena: what buzzes? are you sure you're clicking the right ID?
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