The news today

After the recent General Elections on the 8th of March, I have returned to reading the national news all thanks to the 'political tsunami' that swept across the nation. I had always been an avid reader regardless of how biased the mainstream media had been accused of (with some truth of course), but mostly for the sports, entertainment & lifestyle, technology and international news.

Why not the local front?

I for one have no problems reading about a 'biased' paper, because I have always been a supporter of the present government. I grew up under the administration of the visionaryTun Dr Mahathir whom I still look upon with respect thanks to the years of unprecedented wealth, progress and development enjoyed by the country throughout his time as the Premier of the country.

As a normal rakyat, I don't care what bones the Opposition has to pick regarding his flaws and accused malpractices as the CEO of Malaysia Inc., I got everything I should - accomodation, food, education, job and entertainment under his rule. Of course he's not perfect but he's been a good servant to the country, regardless of the controversies.

Anyway, back to the story at hand.

I remarked to my friends that there has been a marked change of tone in the previously pro-government press. If anything, it's slowly moved slightly to the centre, allowing for more opposing views from the Opposition with all interviews, insights and news coverage for functions, talks et al.

I find this to be quite interesting rather than what got me to skip the home news sections in the past. The present government still make the headlines being that they're still the ruling administration of the nation, but by having feedback from the other corridor of power meant that things are no longer so simple.

With an almost 50-50 split in the highest lawmaking institution in the country, this is when the real politicking begins.

In 2004, it was just one voice talking, a bit of a mumble here and there, some sideshows in the form of 'bocor' and leaking Parliament House, otherwise it was pretty much a one man/party show.

Now in 2008, the voices numerous and are louder in the form of a larger Opposition and delightfully, from the other end as well.

I'd imagine this to be a good change towards a system closer to democracy where everybody speaks within their rights and not afraid to tackle the really difficult issues of judiciary reforms and administrative feedback with more watchdogs scrutinizing the implementation of Executive decisions from both sides.

This can only be a good thing.

As mentioned above I'm a supporter of the present government, yet I too am one who thinks absolute power is a big no-no. Checks and balances, the phrase of the month since the 8th of March, is a good thing. Petrol hikes, increase in food prices, crime, transportation etc, all are things that affect the average Ali, Ah Kau and Muthu on the streets, so having plenty of inputs from differing angles is a good thing.

And like it or not, the present government would need to buckle up and improve or have someone else come in and take their seats.

It's still not perfect though (nothing ever is), but it's a good start.