Selepas Tsunami: How March 8 changed Malaysia

One of the most commonly heard comments about Pakatan and the newly established opposition-held states was that 'nothing has changed.' Ever so often, the cynical sneer and say drains are still clogged, lights don't work, corruption is still rampant, etc, etc. If anyone rushes to the defense and say, 'but Pakatan has just come into power,' they inevitably dismiss it with sarcasm and tell you, if they can't get their act together now, how are they going to govern when they really are the federal government? And on and on it goes.

Well, 'nothing's' changed, and everything's changed.

This video bears out that while change comes slowly after 52 years of BN profligacy, the most important thing that has changed is the mindset - of both the governed, and those in government. In Pakatan held states, there is a commitment to transparency, to hear out the grievances of the rakyat, to reduce wastage, to address corruption and cronyism. All these are genuine attempts at being a government that is accountable.

I like that. I like that the foundation stones of sound and accountable governance is being addressed. It sounds rather abstract compared to bread and butter issues of taxes and schools, but hey, when we get the governance part done right the other stuff will follow. Besides, building up something good is always harder - takes longer, demands endurance, exacts a toll - than tearing down or destroying something. Especially when it is something as important as the foundation for a stronger and better Malaysia for all people.

Selepas Tsunami (After the Tsunami) from Pusat KOMAS on Vimeo.