by P. Ramakrishnan, Aliran

The by-election in Teluk Intan is crucial for many reasons. Whether we are going to rot in the rut or we are going to charter a new course for Malaysia for the betterment of the country is something you can determine.

You have an historic opportunity to break away from the race-based politics and bring about a New Malaysia that will spell the death knell for political parties that exploit and thrive on divisive policies.

The old politics will continue to harp on fears and violence if there was to be a change in the status quo. This is what they preach to maintain their hold on power.

Here we have an intelligent and articulate individual in Dyana Sofya, who is bravely and confidently offering herself as a candidate. Her unbiased and open-minded views expressed with conviction have rattled the Barisan Nasional.

As a Malay, she is expected to fit into the Umno mould that requires the women just to follow and obey the dictates of the leaders. But she has steadfastly rejected this in favour of a party that preaches unity and champions the cause that will benefit all needy Malaysians irrespective of race.

Dyana promises a change that must come when Malaysians come together and decide that the racial politics that has divided us and kept us apart for more than 50 years must go. It has no place in a modern and progressive society.

She must be seen as a person who is concerned about the wrongs that are ruining the nation and is passionate about bringing justice and fairness for all.

The Teluk Intan voters must give her their support and break the racial barriers that have prevented the emergence of a truly united nation grounded in justice and fairness.

If the voters of Teluk Intan condemn corruption, then they must vote for change.

If the voters of Teluk Intan are outraged by the unruly behaviour of hooligans and rowdies who stormed the Penang State Assembly without any respect for a sacrosanct institution and created a ruckus, then they must vote for change.

If the voters are disappointed and disgusted with the role played by the judiciary, then they must vote for change.

If the voters of Teluk Intan are frustrated with the selective prosecution of Opposition leaders to the detriment of our democracy, then they must vote for Dyana.

If the voters of Teluk Intan don’t approve of the harassment and persecution of Anwar Ibrahim in a determined effort to put him away, then they must vote for Dyana.

If the voters of Teluk Intan are aware how the wealth of this nation is squandered at the expense of the many for the benefit of the few who are close to the powers that be, then they must vote for Dyana.

If the voters of Teluk Intan are convinced that Altantuya was murdered and the killers have got off scot free, then they must vote for Dyana.

If the voters of Teluk Intan believe in the expose of private investigator Bala, who revealed how big names were involved in the murder of Altantuya, then they must vote for Dyana.

Tomorrow is a defining moment for this nation. The voters of Teluk Intan have a decisive role to play in ensuring that the New Malaysia that we seek is not a dream but a reality that can be achieved.

* This article first appeared in Aliran