FEBRUARY 1 — Malaysia seems doomed; spiraling into an abyss of debt, suffering and chaos.

We, the rakyat, can't seem to look towards anywhere or anyone for direction. We have big-time robbers at the helm, an opposition who could do much better if only they were more honest, decisive and courageous, etc, etc.

I fervently hope that all Malaysians of goodwill, no matter which side of the divide you are crouching, fence-sitters, including our beloved royalty, will band together now, to save Malaysia.

We are in dire need of resuscitation. Seriously.

The root of all the evil enveloping Malaysia is corruption. Malaysia is steeped in corruption. To deny this is to destroy Malaysia till she's no more.

Let's seriously put a stop to corruption. Let's all get back to basics. Let's start with ourselves. Let's not be corrupted. Let's not corrupt others.

"What profit does a man show who gains the whole world but destroys himself in the process?", so says the good book.

Do we ever feel good, after giving a bribe?

Do we ever greet with joy openly, a bribe we have just received?

Could we ever be open about stolen goods?

Only bigger fools flaunt their ill-gotten gains. Not just bigger fools but those who have utter contempt for the rakyat. Living off ill-gotten gains, feting themselves openly all day through.

Must we tolerate this any longer? Must we?

Yet, what can we do, under prevailing circumstances?

Let those fools destroy themselves. Let them party by themselves. Let's disengage ourselves from forces that keep us incarcerated in guilt, hatred and evil.

My dear beloved, fellow Malaysians. We need not walk down the same path as those fools. There are many more of us who are discerning. Do not be afraid. We don't have to join them just because at the present, imminent moment, we can't seem to beat or unseat them.

We can remain true to Malaysia. We must.

We don't have to destroy Malaysia just because some others are hell-bent on annihilating her. We can't.

There's something I live by. I believe that only love can change someone for the better.

Let's begin a new life-the rebirth of a humanity without hope.

Let's walk in the light, not in the dark or hidden under tempurungs.

Let's walk in faith and discover that light which will free us from many obstacles; by opening for us a clear vision of our present realities.

Let's forgive. It's said that unforgiveness is sin. The act of forgiveness itself compels us away from sin.

Let's be brutally honest about our shortcomings and perhaps, deeds which we aren't proud of. Let's keep our hearts open.

Let's discover the power of love, instead of spewing hatred and sewing discord.

Let's not forget our status and dignity, as children of God.

What really divides the world is those who love and those who don't. To love is to be strong; to remain very strong in the light of persecution by companions, compatriots and those who will not forgive others who love. Those others who will not share their hatred and sectarianism.

When strife devastates a nation, it's the result of resentment among the people (yet there are leaders who whip up this fury????) and worse still, the refusal to sacrifice in order to settle difficulties and ease tensions.

So who do we call?

What do we need?

Love for neighbor.

It will not weaken us. On the contrary, sacrifice for another is an act that can only embolden us to do so much more. To progressively and continuously, do so much more. We'll be surprised to find out how much love can transform us; to be no longer fearful and distrustful of one another.

Must we always follow authority? To blindly accept the so-called "truths" (or saliva) gushing from their mouths?

We are a free people. Responsible people. We need to think for ourselves and to evaluate accordingly to universally-accepted truths, not "truths ala-Malaysia", that part of Malaysia that has gone rogue.

Those who are true to the rakyat will not want to cause strife; will not want to divide us, Malaysians. Be inspired by those whose commandment is love. By those who want us to stay united as Malaysians, though we profess different beliefs, religions and cultures.

The dynamism of love can move the entire creation. It is what makes us equal. It is what shifts the differences among us. When we love our neighbors, we don't feel superior to them or think we have more merits than them. We don't go around feeling holier-than-thou, dishing out lessons to others. Lessons we want to teach others may just turn out to be lessons sought. (Karma does do a turnaround and bite us in the butt, no?) Punishment is never ours to take.

My dear beloved, fellow Malaysians, let's love authentically. Not a love that's just sentimental, blind and fickle. But, do love truly. Love our neighbors in order to liberate them; leaving both parties transformed. For the better.

Let's give life to others.

Let's begin a life in truth and love.

Thank you and God bless.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.