“A great nation is the voluntary creation of its people — a people composed of men and women whose pride in themselves is founded on the knowledge of what they can give to a community of which they in turn can be proud.” — Margaret Thatcher, October 1980

This is a great time to be a Malaysian. Every morning I wake up and I start to tremble from the bottom of my feet right up to the ends of my long silky flowing hair!

The 13th General Election is approaching and now that the Election Commission has announced the date, 5th May 2013 will be the date that all Malaysians will be anticipating.

Many have predicted that this particular general election will be the most hotly contested and of which the outcome will have the biggest impact on the country.

I do not doubt that one single bit. However, I do believe that the impact and change has already happened, regardless of the result outcome.

From my observation and interaction with people around the country, it is clear that Malaysian society is progressing as a more matured and knowledgeable society.

For one, Malaysians have now realised that they have a voice and what they say matters. And the best thing about it is that they are not afraid to say it.

Take for instance the different demonstrations such as Bersih which have taken place throughout the recent years and the number of people who have participated in it.

The issues that the people are discussing are also getting more relevant and this is because people are more informed now and better yet, they are actually making an effort to know.

Gone are the days when people relied solely on being fed information by the traditional media. Malaysians have the right attitude of actively pursuing it now.

The media has had to buck up and not be the mouthpiece of those in power (unless, of course, if that certain media is owned by those in power!).

More alternative media has mushroomed and spawned all around to provide a healthy competition and a relatively more balanced perspective for the people.

The ruling party (now the caretaker government) has also been forced to keep on their toes because of all the developments that have been happening.

Alleged corrupt leaders have had to step down from government positions, and convicted corrupt leaders have been sent to jail.

And because this general election is supposed to be the most hotly contested, it will also likely be the most watched. Hence, the situation will probably force it to be the most transparent.

And my personal take on it all?

I believe that for Malaysia to be a great nation, whatever party that may govern the country, they should not have absolute power, and the people has to make sure there is a check and balance with a strong opposition.

I believe that for Malaysia to be a great nation, a strong democracy has to exist with the help of a free and responsible media that truly acts as a watchdog and one that serve the people.

I believe that for Malaysia to be a great nation, it has to be owned by the people of Malaysia. And Malaysians have shown that they are ready and are able to build the country to be a great nation.