This year, I have seen through two elections. One, my home country Malaysia, and two, my adopted country, Australia. Both countries, Democratic. Both countries, Free. Yet, huge difference between the two. One, practice the freedom of speech, quite literally and the other, only spreads fear and propaganda from both sides of the coin. One, has a ballot paper as long as a scroll and the other, as small as a note pad. One, full of corruption and deceit and the other, well full of deceit. One, flooded my facebook timeline with fear and backstabbing and the other, flooded it in a careful and respected manner.
Although I only have authority to vote for one country and not the other, I can not help but be nervous for both countries. I as I sit down and watch the votes being counted in May, I can’t help but be anxious as each vote is counted closer and closer to the winning party. One demanded a change in what looks like 60 years of the same ruling party, and the other, well, we don’t know yet as voting has just begun, but the people demand change.
What ever party you support, know that everyone has their right to their opinion. What matter is
how you convey your opinions. Sometimes you have to let it all out, in a respectful manner. Sometimes you just have to sit back and bite your tongue. There is a time and place for things to be said and done. Let’s not break long term friendship because of it. Let's not divide family's because of it. Let's learn that having different opionions is what has kept the country going.
Because at the end of the day, we all have to live with each other whether we like it or not. A quote from my colleague at work, “Better the devil you know”. So true.
Good luck Australia, you are going to need it.