Former premier Najib Abdul Razak was arrested at his residence in Langgak Duta, Kuala Lumpur, this afternoon. Let us hope that politicians and civil servants, whose responsibility it is to look after the interests of the nation, realise that crime does not pay. Sooner or later, the law will catch up with the corrupt.
When Najib’s administration lost in Malaysia’s 14th General Election, the nation breathed a sigh of relief, because 61 years of one party rule ended on 9 May. It was all the more victorious because there had been no bloodshed nor violence.
Yes, there were several delays, in announcing the Pakatan Harapan victory, but we overcame these. Malaysians have had enough of corruption, injustice, mismanagement of the nation’s finances, nepotism, cronyism and religious and racial intolerance. A few hours delay was nothing.
Show respect and be magnanimous
Najib will be charged tomorrow. We await the arrests of other key figures.
Now is NOT the time to gloat or show disrespect. Your vote helped to bring down the previous Umno-Baru/BN government, so show Najib and his supporters, your magnanimity. Let the law take its course.
Najib deserves respect, as a former PM, even though he denied both respect and fairness to a former PM and ordinary Malaysians. We do not practise tit-for-tat tactics. We are decent, upright and generous Malaysians. We treat people with dignity. We will not bring shame to ourselves and the nation.
Most of us suffered under Umno-Baru/BN rule. Their leaders have stains on their souls. The leaders stole public money. They lived luxurious lives but told us to tighten our belts. They left us and the nation with many scars – mental and physical (think deforestation and environmental pollution).
Feel no pity for the leaders who caused racial and religious strife. The rule of law will be used to bring them to justice. Be patient, and let Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration do its work quietly and without added pressure from those amongst us, who cannot be bothered to wait.
Rebuilding Malaysia is a team effort
Be prepared to work hard in the long process of rebuilding Malaysia which must now be carried out without delay.
Too many Malaysians have been hurt. Some were stripped of their dignity, and left with nothing.
Others were frustrated and left Malaysia for better shores. Hopefully, they will return and help rebuild a divided nation and make it the wealthy, prosperous and united multicultural country it once was. It is not a question of if, but a question of when.
Many Malaysians have suffered but we will help to rebuild their lives, as we continue with rebuilding Malaysia.
Let us make Malaysia a better place.
Photo credits: Ms K Wong