Expect more of the same as we enter a new year and new decade.
IT’S the start of a new year. It brings hope, changes and renewal. Yet many things would remain very much the same as it always has in decades, especially in politics.
The same language, same promises and lies are still being voiced by our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation. How we wish they could be more creative this year.
Ironically, many of the politicians calling for change in politics have in fact been in the game for the last 20 years or more. But some have cleverly changed their agendas to suit the current demand for transparency and such.
Same old tune: It’s the new year but we can expect more of the same from our politicians, celebrities and other publicity seekers, whether they are platitudes, promises or excuses. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star And they have found a whole new base of supporters among those whose parents were busy changing their nappies while these same politicians were making a mess of the country.
Then there are those who are still in government, after all these years, some clinging on to their positions believing that no one else can be as good. Some are still as arrogant as ever, still refusing to learn their lessons.
So what can we expect from our politicians, celebrities and other publicity seekers for this year? I guess it will be more of the same, whether they are platitudes, promises or excuses.
Here’s a list of the more banal statements and remarks:
> Officials after yet another horrific bus accident: “We will investigate thoroughly. We will take the necessary actions. We will not compromise.”
> The Opposition after an accident, natural disaster or controversial political issue: “We call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (or a White Paper or an Inquest).”
> Officials after our country is criticised – on any issue – by foreigners: “They are just jealous of us. They are upset with our achievements.”
> Nationalists and “language supremacists” on reports of our declining standard in English: “We are better than Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.”
> Local actors after talk of romantic link-ups: “We are just friends” or “I am just a good friend of the Datuk/Tengku.”
> Over-the-hill politicians who refuse to retire: “It will be irresponsible for me to leave the party. I need time to groom my successors.”
> Protesters who take part in illegal demonstrations: “The police acted illegally. They over-reacted, they should not have used force to break us up.”
> Police officers at press conferences: “We will leave no stone unturned in our investigations. We will go after them.”
> Police officers on foreigners arrested for crime, and the readers are kept guessing on the nationality of these criminals: “They are from a neighbouring country.” (Hello! Singaporeans, Thais or Indonesians?)
> Politicians who refuse to commit themselves to anything: “We will look into it.”
> Leaders who use delaying tactics after a controversial issue, and eventually do nothing: “We will set up a committee and other sub-committees to study the matter.”
> Opposition leaders following a controversial issue: “We challenge them to a debate.”
> The Prime Minister/Chief Minister on the date for elections: “I haven’t found inspiration” and “If you (media) continue guessing, you will get it right one day.”
> Opposition politicians before the polls: “This is the dirtiest election ever, we detect phantom voters and frauds” and after emerging victorious: “We accept the election results.”
> Government politicians before the polls: “The people want development and not rhetoric” and after their defeats: “The people must learn to be grateful. They have been hoodwinked by the opposition.”
> University officials on their goals but still not on the top universities lists: “We want to be world class universities with world class facilities.”
> Religious leaders, New Age practitioners and doomsday believers: “The world is coming to an end. All the signs are there.”
> And finally, boring copies by journalists who begin their stories with sentences “like a scene from a movie” or “had the shock of his life” and “selling like hot cakes.”
Nothing much has changed, right?
On The Beat By Wong Chun Wai
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