for the Malaysians away from home

It was exactly 3 years ago today, I had believed that democracy worked again for us. I witnessed with many, how a long reign of old ideologies was finally pierced broken by the vote of change. It was exhilarating yet so very frightening. "What happens now and tomorrow?" was how I questioned the night. There was a need to celebrate but many sore losers were ready to rain on our parades. Somewhat like what happened in the Capitol earlier this year, except being Malaysian, its was more like an "ada lah" situation. There was havoc yes, were people afraid? Yes. But like most adrenaline-filled situations, the victory for change allowed a lot of us to be brave again; even in the plight of the night. Suddenly, 'HOPE' had it's place in this place I called 'HOME'. We woke up to a new dawn.

However, these days, life cannot be further from what it was. From the abrupt changes of governance not led by democracy, a pandemic sweeping through the globe and seeing the divide of classes more apparent than ever, I pity the Malaysians who only came back to a Malaysia they knew now. There wasn't the joy of hearing "Welcome Home" on the planes, only new protocols as you step foot onto a once familiar land. Now you are merely viewed with caution, unless your results said  'NEGATIVE'.

I do apologise, for that's how I am. For the things I could not control, perhaps we who remained failed to uphold democracy. As we ride through the new millennia, democracy was slipping through our fingers. For us who stayed, we couldn't have expected this is how home had become yet we weren't even surprised once. Old cronies may have left, but not before they tainted many others to follow suit. It's almost incomprehensible to wonder if things will get better. 

The dreamer part of me, still believes in a new hope again. If we could have made the change once, who is to say we can't do it again? The players of a horrifying game may have change, but so have we. For the Malaysians away from home, I hope your heart still remains. For us who remained, we will bring a new 'HARAPAN' again.