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WRITE IT 2006 (Honourable Mention): Running the country, one step at a time

In the second article in our Honourable Mention category for Write It! 2006, MARC VAGHT looks at the important, yet oft-ignored civil duty we youth have to vote and be interested in how the country is run, and why and how we should get involved before the country goes to pot.

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By MARC VAGHT

Politics and Malaysian youth are two things which often don’t go hand in hand, at least to one’s initial perception.

It is, to some of my acquaintances and peers, a field that lies in some faraway land whose affairs concern older folk and politicians. The apathy that consumes them is hardly surprising; politics in institutions of learning constitute running for Student Council and inter-class politics with others and teachers.

Politics, in the larger sense of the word, is disallowed and students are not allowed to form political societies in their varsities at all levels. Moreover, teenagers can’t vote and by the time they reach 21, do they all concern themselves with the intricacies of Malaysian politics? I do not think so.

In fact, many of today’s youth would probably already be studying abroad by the time they reach that age, even as Malaysians continue to prosper financially. Those that go can count their blessings and pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. But for those who are here now and will continue to be here, they must realise that all citizens should participate in the governance of the polity.

But why does this matter?

Politics is more than political parties and campaigning and politicians. It concerns absolutely everything that happens in daily life — from what we can and cannot wear, watch and read, to how much tax we pay. Government is involved in the distribution of all resources within the country as well as in the legislation and execution of Law (as in the Westminster system).

Its very magnitude is what proves disheartening to those apathethic to Malaysian politics. It surpasses courting the hottest girls, driving the fastest cars or wearing the latest hairdo in the list of important things in life, yet it remains ambiguous and distant in our today’s youth’s discourses.

We must ask ourselves, youth of today, whether we are the Observers, the Critics, the Participants, or the Oblivious. Is your enthusiasm for politics borne out of the convenience of the information presented to you, or do you dutifuly seek to understand it? Is political understanding, youth, as Dwight Eisenhower puts it, the part-time profession of every citizen, your part-time profession?

However this is not to say that all our youths are ignorant of the Malaysian political scene. It is not always the case that we drift starry-eyed, dazed and oblivious to that which happens around us.

Apathy, it seems, is the disease of our weary youth. As our youth are exposed to the world at large, we question the status quo.

There are those who have their grievances, whine about it for a bit, but soldier on, accepting that status quo. Then there are those who have their grievances, and leave the country. They truly believe they can find a better life elsewhere and want to pursue it.

The government needs to realise that we are not out to undermine government and its policies. I can safely say that no sane Malaysian youth wants May 13 to happen again. We do not want to fight, but we want to be heard, and when we are not heard, we leave.

The supposed brain drain of our country’s youth is proof of this. We know that we cannot change the system to suit us, so we leave in silent protest. When will the government stop feeling threatened by our youth?

The first step to combat apathy lies in the heart of the people. We must recognise that we are part and parcel of the polity and bear a responsibility towards our fellow man in determining who is in power. Though voting is a freely given right, it is not cheap, and should not be treated as such. To vote is the responsibility of every Malaysian of voting age, this means you, youth of voting age. Remember that the succeeding administration eventually determines the path the country will plot, which involves people of all ages.

Secondly, though it is not always highlighted, is the need to rid ourselves of our supposed Asian infallibility. It is imperative that we highlight, expose and rectify our faults with extreme prejudice because not all the world is interested in bettering Malaysians. We must not, at any point, compromise or even procrastinate progress, though we Malaysians are particularly fond of it. Forty-nine years, and we are still talking about unifying ourselves.

Thirdly, the government should allow and encourage institutions of learning to educate our youths on in the ins and outs of politics and political systems. As youth grow older, so will their civic consciousness. Only then will a society of mature youth be able to realise their expectations as participatory adults in our society. It is then when we can really debate all political issues and move forward.
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MARC VAGHT is an aspiring writer and full-time student. In his free time, he enjoys writing and reading, and when he’s occupied he’s either reading or writing. To unwind, he fancies some Chopin or Debussy, or a cold Heineken with a good game on the idiot box.