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Dear Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,

I refer to the article you wrote in the Star Newspaper dated March 13, 2008 (Thursday), and titled Malaysia Will Heal Her Divisions (N10).

The election process has indeed revealed a shocking result of what Malaysians generally perceive of the government. Being part of this 50 year old nation, I believe that it is time to move into a new level and realize that what is planned decades ago is not applicable today. The era of globalization has indeed brought major changes to the lives of the people around the world as news comes into the tip of our hands through the internet.

Having said that, Malaysia is moving rapidly with this era, where people are being united, not only locally, but in the global perspective with the convenient access to the mass media, we are moving into a new culture where everyone adapts into one single environment.

I am grateful for the dedications you made; however fail to see how this division came about at the moment. What this country needs is a leader who will not look beyond differences pertaining to race or whether a certain party should have special rights or not. We Malaysians should all in all celebrate diversity and striving for unity to accomplish our vision.

We often talk about how we live in harmony, and how we respect one another. Although I am grateful that there was no blood bath, but let’s face it, that there are always grudges and stereotypes in our minds that will keep us from mixing with one another. I am indeed grateful that there was only one racial riot in the past 50 years, of which is and will always be at the back of our mind.

I do understand and perceive the debate effects of election which would cause divisions but unless the opposition and the government will first learn to work together, Malaysia will not progress in the coming years. The nation looks up at any political leaders from the government or opposition party) to show a good example. Leaders lead followers. If leaders are not united themselves, how would you expect your followers to follow?

The nation is not discontent, neither are we happy with the election results. What we want is our voice to be heard, and a fair play of opportunities in this country. We ought to realize that bringing our country and communities together is not just your work alone the responsibility is shared by the nation as a whole.

Democracy is not about voicing a protest. Democracy is about having the right to be part of what shapes Malaysia, and for that, leaders have to listen to the suggestions, and the dissatisfaction of the people.

I hope to bring a fresh perspective from a younger generation who believes in youth empowerment. I quote US Senator Barack Obama, “Unity is the great need of the hour - the great need of this hour. Not because it sounds pleasant or because it makes us feel good, but because it's the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country.”

The world we live in is terrorized by the differences we have in race, culture and language. When we fear differences, we reject the opportunity to learn and extend our horizon. In this era of globalization, we need to know that the world doesn't just revolve around ourselves. We cannot afford to narrow our mind to what is going on just within the community, but to explore every possibility of extending our network in the local and global arena.

When people start to develop their curiosity among one another, accept differences, take initiatives to learn and celebrate diversity, they will learn to adapt and accept a new and better way of life- of love towards one another. That's essence of PEACE. When peace is attained with true unity, the power of cultural integration will carry new values in our lives which will change our perspectives and bring great influences our behavior.

The election results were not based on your determination to grow the Malaysian economy. It goes beyond the political, economical aspects of the country for what we chase is the maturity level of our nation.

You have my respects as a prominent leader in Malaysia, as I believe that every leader has his/her own personality, strength and weakness, thus his own mindset on how to run the country. Perhaps in this era of globalization, what used to be different parties standing up for their own racial rights will not work anymore? We are moving from the higher ends of the cultural context scale towards the lower ends in this era. Malaysia is overlooking the racial issues into a true unity where one gives into another for the benefit of all.

Of course, in every election campaign, there will be tight competitions, especially between the government and the opposition parties. However, we have to realize that our focus is now on developing our nature, of which, we will all have to work together striving for Vision 2020.

Democracy is about a leader listening to his/her followers. If you said that you have heard the voice of the citizens then please hear me out. I may not be a wise and experienced 60 year old lady; I may not be a leader for any political party. However, I would stand as a 20 year old university student at who sees the importance of intercultural understanding in attaining the true unity for the development of the country.

Thank you for listening.
God bless Malaysia.

Jessica Kan
Student
Bachelor of Communications (Corporate Communications)

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