All is not fair. All is not well in this world, increasingly so and especially now.

Born and brought up in Malaysia, I have been fortunate not to witness constant, widespread violence nor live in an unstable, weak political and economic state. The peace and security here have allowed me to finish my education uninterrupted, secure a job and earn a decent enough living to have a fairly comfortable life and lifestyle.

There are children living in many parts of the world, who have seen and heard bombs being dropped around them and the killing of family and friends, all their lives. They have not known peace and what it is like living in a country where you could go to school, play games and visit friends, and have a night out at a restaurant or go to the movies. Their lives are so dire that food on the table, clean running water and staying alive are the goals each day. For the adults in these places, it’s about staying safe, alive and ensuring  the security of their family.  So bleak and so sad.

And, there are thousands of migrants on our shores and elsewhere who leave their homeland due to difficult conditions. I know of young Bangladeshi men who have left their country just so they can support their families back home. Well educated and well spoken, one young man had a hard time holding back tears as he related how his younger sister had died of an illness, and how he was unable to attend her funeral although he had the money to fly home. Instead, he transmitted the money home because he knew his parents needed it for the funeral services. Heart breaking and so sad.

Then there are the displaced and disenfranchised. No claim to citizenship despite being born in a particular country; shunned due to race, caste and religion; abused by the more powerful just because they can or imprisoned or worse killed for having the audacity to speak out against injustices. So tragic and so sad.

I believe I am not wrong when I say what people want, regardless of race, colour and religion, is a decent roof over their heads, food to eat, efficient health and transport services,  and quality education that will facilitate financial stability and a reasonable lifestyle. It’s not a tall order, it’s just basic needs and a few wants to be able to live a comfortable life.

Like many countries in the world, Malaysia has its fair share of problems and shortcomings.  By stemming leakages, minimising corruption, improving education and increasing efficiency and productivity, I hope to see a better standard of living and happier people under the new government.

Peace, equality, stability – both political and economic – are precious commodities we cannot afford to negotiate or lose under any pretext or self-serving agendas. It would be devastatingly sad if our children and their children miss out on their right to a good life and become accidents of birth.