The Awakening

I used to be clueless. Ignorant, perhaps. I was, if such a phrase exist, politically-naive. Dumb, when it comes to politic.

Unlike, or even perhaps, just like most of you, I was never aware, made aware, or be bothered to be aware of the political happenings in my country. In a way, it was not a bad thing, at that time.

I always reminded myself that it is not that I'm totally ignorant but I have a different understanding of politics. Government or opposition, I agreed with neither. I refused to take side; as for me none of the sides represent my understanding of true democracy and peoples' right. Thus, I chose to not to choose. I chose to be silent. Be ignorant. And so I did, for lots of years.

In spite of my refusal to choose sides, I believe in democracy. I believe that the French Revolution had trigger an awakening to the so-called ‘Human Rights’, the People’s Power. I strongly believe in the election system, the power given to the people to elect their leader, in which indicates that the power of the people in an institution is way above the power of a particular elected person, otherwise we might as well resolve to dictatorship. And for the whole system to work, I believe that the government should be transparent and honest. The people should be given a top priority in deciding matters regarding economy, social, education… and the people should always be provided with freedom of choice, speech and thought.

See, I always see myself as an artist. My interest and passion has always been in songs, poetry, music, art, theater and such. Hence, parting my thought away from the understanding of politics and not even meander close to the touch of the subjects. And art has become my niche, my place of comfort, my zone. The place where I can run to, if the subject ever appears. My niche became my excuse. Whenever the subject matters mentioned, I repelled. I claim that the artist wish not to be included in the matters relating politics.

Some times back, my artist’s hunger started to explore the creative world of short films and independent movies. That's when I was introduced to the movie 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka, thanks to my sis-in-law.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNZzZlVgWxY&feature=related.

At that time, I was working with a company where you can see cronyism (which Encarta World English Dictionary defines as; cro·ny·ism n; special treatment and preference given to friends or colleagues, especially the giving of political posts to people because of friendship rather than their ability, informal disapproving Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing) was being unnecessarily practiced. Authorizing and higher position was being given to unqualified personnel. Corruption and backstabbing started to occur as greed takes over. Chaos started to emerge, as we, the professional workers, were a minute away to see it turns ugly and it did. The project was mis-managed and loses ground month-by-month. It was just on the brink to failure when I left. Being in this company, it was like watching a small government killed itself by the hand of those who promised to uphold them. It was greed that leads to cronyism, corruption and betrayal. I then saw the resemblance in the current government and it made me to think.

Then, I got to watch V for Vendetta and again saw resemblance. It was a story of an overpowered, media controlling, manipulative and refraining government, against the freedom-hungry people. That was my true awakening. A character in a Guy Fawkes mask opened a door to ideas and realism for me.

I finally understood the true and metaphoric intention of movies, art etc.

I watched Cicakman and saw how manipulative media, controlled by the government who doesn’t want us to know the truth, was fooling the public.

I watched The Golden Compass and saw a girl's fight against a government that parted the people from the truth, as they were afraid that the truth might bury their power so deep in the ground, they’re useless.

I watched A Bugs Life and saw the power of standing up for rights against suppressive powers that can be achieved by unity.

I recollect the meaning of all the movies known, Braveheart, Postman and even Phir Bi Dil Hai Hindustani, just to name a few, and I saw rights, freedom and fight. I believe I just went through a bona fide political awakening.

Therefore, after all that, putting everything together, if I have to chose my leader based on my newly acquired believes, I want a leader who upholds the people first. All and all, rakyat comes first. That’s criteria number one.

Two; I believe in educated people and professionalism, and because of my belief towards the power of knowledge and I look up to academic figures and uphold knowledge, I trust professionals and professional bodies more than any wannabe talk-to-much bloke.

And three; Islam, above all other matters. Those who learns it, practices it, embraces it, glorifies it and upholds it, gets my vote, hands down.

My pick? Obvious, isn't it?

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals when they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the foe, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they'd all flown in the last war

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?

There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are out-phased, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And their beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray:

WE DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN