Message by Teresa Kok, Selangor Senior State Exco, Seputeh Member of Parliament and Kinrara State Assemblyperson,
Shah Alam – 22 January 2012.
This Chinese New Year, 2012, marks the special ‘year of the dragon’ in the Chinese astrology calendar. The symbol of the ‘dragon’ bears the significance of hope for positive transformation and is revered among the Chinese community as a mark of positivity, power, superiority and rule. It offers Malaysia an opportunity to adopt much needed changes to its political, economic and social policies and management. It is with this symbolism that we Malaysians must strive to bring power to the people, superiority of judicious administration and a firm, fair and wise rule of leaders.
It is my hope that Malaysians use this representation to speak up and stand up to fight for their rights and continue to call for change. We must push forward the agenda of transformation in redeeming our many fundamental rights that have been lost over the past decades of independence. As we usher in the Chinese New Year, and look ahead in anticipation of our 55th anniversary of Merdeka in August this year, I carry a hope that the wrongs of the past – such as the use of draconian and biased laws in unjust arrests, curbing of religious freedoms, and the repression of the freedom of speech – are corrected.
Malaysians have the power to overturn the negative political climate that has been created by the current regime. The emergence of the Pakatan Rakyat over the past few years has contributed to some changes and reforms in the country. This year of the dragon offers Malaysians an opportunity to work together with us to eliminate the influence of certain groups that create issues that divide the country. Malaysians, when working with the Pakatan Rakyat, can achieve a new era of change that encourages the nation’s growth and development for all, regardless of race and religion.
It is with this hope that I look forward in anticipation of the rakyat’s demonstration of courage in pushing for transformations in Malaysia and offer you my support in implementing changes to the nation.
Wishing all Malaysians a happy, prosperous and blessed Chinese New Year.
– Teresa Kok