LETTER | The fear of celebrating victory in Malaysia

LETTER | When news broke after days of tense moments that Anwar Ibrahim will be made the 10th prime minister of Malaysia, there was instant joy filling the air.

In most democratic countries, a hard-fought victory at the polls will immediately usher in joyful celebrations and public rallies of jubilation.

Unfortunately on Nov 24, the breaking news of Anwar becoming the 10th PM and the investiture ceremony that followed that evening could only be celebrated by citizens on social media.

Texting, calling, sharing videos, and chatting on the mobile phone was all that citizens could do as they cherished the fruition of the decades-long hope of having Anwar as their prime minister.

There were advisory warnings not to gather in groups to celebrate the victory.

In fact, the jubilant occasion was marked by heavy police roadblocks in the country.

Indeed, it tells us a lot about a nation that has suffered politically for far too long.

The tense moments following the post-GE15 announcement of who will be the next prime minister drowned the freedom to celebrate.

We remain robbed of a right and opportunity to share the joy - a God-given human entitlement.

We must soon eradicate such oppressive climates that thrive on fears and restrictions.

To do so, Malaysians must grow out of their political shackles. It calls for maturity of thought.

Yes, it is going to be difficult but it must begin now in this climate of reformation that Anwar brings with him.

It is time to stop letting politicians from continuing to imprison our freedom to celebrate in peace and harmony.

It is time to shun the politics of revenge and fear that have been with us since the treacherous May 13 of bygone decades.

Diabolic and exploitative politicians will always use these tactics of fear of violence in order to strengthen their grip on power.

As a democratic nation that has the Constitutional Monarchy as the ultimate guarantee of peace and freedom, there should be no more such fears, threats of violence, and deprivation of the right to celebrate victory in a joyful, peaceful manner in public. 

Let us unite now with Anwar to get back this happiness that we once had since independence and until that fateful day of May 13, 1969.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.