MARCH 13 — Towards the end of the 12th century, while Western Europe was still wavering between a dying Roman influence and a dawning Gothicism, preliminaries to a medieval era which would make possible the development of a worldwide humanism, Asia had already lived through her classical period and, sinking into decay, was preparing to face a long period of political and spiritual unrest.

While India was beginning to suffer, and while the domination of the Khmers was reaching its climax at Angkor, China under pressure of the north barbarians, was withdrawing to the south where the Song empire, thinking itself safe from invasions, continued to live a life of luxury.

Japan, isolated in her islands, was experiencing political and social upheavals which were destined to change her structure from top to bottom and in consequence lead to the formation of the Japanese nation.

In four turbulent centuries, from the 12th to the 16th, the whole world evolved in a diversity of ways, each country in its own particular fashion. In the early 17th century, man was nearly everywhere different from the man of the 12th century.

The West was suffering from growing pains, absolute monarchies followed feudal forms of government throughout the confusion bred of practically an endemic state of warfare. Frontiers changed, empires were established and quickly overthrown.

Europe was in search of stability. No sooner was America discovered then it became the pawn of a close struggle between nations, a prelude to the birth of colonialism. India became progressively Islamic. China was invaded by the Mongols. The Khmers were reduced to impotence by the rise of the Thais and pressure from Vietnam. The world at the time was ferment.

Social and political activity undergoes evolution everywhere. A few years before, Barisan Nasional was dreaming that it could govern Malaysia for centuries. But today, with political turmoil created by BN itself (by Umno exactly), people believe that it is impossible to extend any longer the life span of current government.

Political parties must be responsive and sensitive enough to the needs of the people. Stay where you are if you want to die. Be progressive, show your talent and capability if you want to be the winner. The people are the judges.

Malaysia is evolving for good, with a speed a thousand times faster than from the last Middle Age evolution. “Ganbare”, hang on! and fight! for all political parties. We are relying on you to lead the country towards a brilliant future.

Mohd Hanafi Ani is with the Maruyama-Kawamura Laboratory, Department of Metallurgy and Ceramics Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan. These are his personal views.