‘Marbleless’ Malaysians
Citizen Times
With the expansion of democratic space in the Internet, one would think citizens would be more enlightened about social and political issues. Current trends, however, show otherwise. Having enjoyed nationhood for 58 years, Malaysians must realize the importance of peace and harmony via positive and non-confrontational means. A nation is held together not only by the state of political elites, but also by its citizens.
Previously, non-state actors such as ordinary citizens, NGOs, local communities had little influence in shaping political opinion. The advent of the Internet changed the script and we have seen how from a timid populace, citizens have slowly found their voice and roaring down the various channels of communication, especially social media. Along the way, state-civil society relations are now strained.
The proliferation of civil societies and their activities, particularly street protests and demonstrations, do not necessarily constitute social capital that can promote peace and democracy. The angle of news reporting, features or blog posts and the ease by which citizens express themselves in social media or news portals have exacerbated matters. In fact, these could promote communal disharmony.
Malaysians must stop thinking in black and white terms to the exclusion of morals, ethics, ideals, and values. Across the board, messages seem to be BN versus PR contesting one goal – control of Malaysia. Regardless of whichever side one supports, one needs to disaggregate these two sides into smaller groups so we can evaluate issues fairly, not fallaciously.
For example, a recent revelation regarding the failed Penang Water Theme Park Project has had both sides up in arms as can be seen in comments to various articles. Pro DAP supporters object to queries because there are other issues whereby the government has made greater losses. In this respect, citizens have lost their sense of judgement. The issue is NOT BN versus DAP. Rather, it is a question of accountability to citizens who elected them into power. The state government has the moral and political responsibility to respond to queries instead of brushing off objections.
Another point is how citizens willingly allow some parties to re-quote their leaders’ statements of certain demands without thinking beyond those superficial statements. A clear example is the recent UM incident about Anwar’s talk – “40 Years: From University of Malaya to Jail”. Currently, the main focus is on the lockdown and Anwar’s agenda.
Few thought about legitimate concerns such as the fact that university authorities do not allow any political activities on campus and that by going ahead to hold the event despite the locked gates, it amounts to nothing but sheer rebellion – a deliberate act of disobedience. One wonders if anyone checked with the MPPUM (Student Representative Council of Universiti Malaya) about the logistics and legitimacy of the event, if the whole student body endorsed it! What are we teaching the younger generation – that it is perfectly acceptable to rebel against authority?
Yet, so many Malaysians, including Lim Kit Siang Lim, have urged Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yasin to punish those responsible for the “stain and stigma” to the university by locking the campus gates and switching off power supplies, even if they were to include the Vice Chancellor.
Have Malaysians lost their marbles?
