A lot of explaining to do

Imagine this scenario:

"25 years from now, your child comes to you and ask: "Mom/Dad, how come our country is in such a devastated state? I've read about our country's history and I've learned that 80 years ago, when our country first acquired independence from the British, we were a peaceful country, full of potential to become a developed country. We have abundant of natural resources, skilled workers, trained professional and once, we even had the tallest building in the whole world.

What happened? Why are we so far behind countries such as Korea, Singapore, Taiwan & Hong Kong? Even countries which were once few decades behind us have surpassed us. Countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam is now doing better than our country. What happened?

What happened to all the natural resources? The oldest tropical rainforest is now nothing but a barren wasteland. And worse still, more and more people are dying due to radioactive exposure from the rare earth processing facility and the recent meltdown of our nation's first nuclear power plant.

Police are everywhere in the city. But they are not there to protect and serve the people. They have become the government's tool to oppress the people. Police bullies and bribery are everywhere even during broad daylight. I thought our country is a democratic country? When has our country turned into a military state?

Seriously Mom/Dad, WHAT HAPPENED?"

Think about this. Think about how should you answer to your child. In my opinion, there are only two answers. A long one and a short one.

The long one being:
"My child, I'm sorry for not fighting for your rights when i had the chance. I'm sorry for being a coward back then. I was afraid. I was afraid of learning the truth, i was afraid of standing up for my own rights, I was afraid of choosing any sides. All my youth, I've neglected my responsibility as a citizen. I never even try to learn about what's going on in our country. I'm sorry for letting all these become reality. I'm sorry."

The short one being:
"My child, I'm sorry. I did my best to fight for a better future for you, but i have failed."

Which answer you'd rather tell your child? Better spend some time on it.

P.S : Politics in Malaysia has never been "Malay vs Chinese vs Indian". Do not be misled by irresponsible & selfish politicians.