THE CICAK.com

Young Malaysians, here are ten steps to become better citizens

Art by CHUAN ZUI
By KEITH LEONG

I am aware that I, like many of the writers for theCICAK have issued manifestos and carpe diem calls for the youth of Malaysia to be more socially aware and conscious. It is eternally in vogue for people of our age to write such articles, we will not be the first nor shall we be the last. A common criticism made again such polemics, however, is the accusation that we do not provide a practical model for young Malaysians to affect genuine socio-political change/progress in our country.

This therefore, is a very basic list of things that I consider us twenty-something’s can do to be citizens:

1. Register to vote:
An essential part of citizenship. All you have to do is to drop by your local state election or post office with your MyKad and fill out the requisite form. You can also do so at the periodic voter registration drives run by the SPR at places like shopping malls or community events. More information can be found here. Be sure to check up on your registration through the SPR website and contact them if there are any irregularities or mistakes.

2. Be aware of the political balance in your area:
Find out what parliamentary/state constituency you are registered in, who your elected representative(s) are. You can also check their voting/debating record through the media or the official Parliamentary Hansard. Find out which political parties are active in your area.

3. Actually get out and vote:
When the General Election comes around, find out what parties are running in you area and who their candidates are. Read up about the issues in the Election and how each party stands on them. Think about the issues that are important to you, and what position (if any) the various parties take in regards to those matters. Make up your own mind on who to vote for based on the issues and who you believe can do the greatest good for the country.

Note 1: People in the Federal Territories - I kinda feel sorry for you all. While everyone else gets to vote for an MP AND State Assemblyman, you only get the former to represent you. Perhaps this should be an issue for you all!

Note 2: Malaysians living/studying overseas who want to vote: you apparently need to contact the Malaysian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate for a form to register as a postal voter. You must then send the completed form directly to the SPR or to our diplomatic representation overseas to deliver to the SPR. After the registration process, you are supposed to be given a postal vote paper to vote on, which again has to be either sent directly to the SPR or via the embassy/high commission. If the Malaysian diplomatic representation in your area does not have the registration forms, contact the SPR to inform them of the fact.

4. Get your friends and family to register and then vote:
Find some friends or relatives who are not registered, and get them to follow the process stated above. More apathetic the better!

5. Learn the Law of the Land:
Buy a copy of the Constitution of Malaysia. The International Law Books Service (ILBS) prints both large and compact-sized editions in both English and BM that can be found in most bookstores. You may also want to check out their other titles like the Kuasa-Kuasa Polis Diraja Malaysia and the Syariah codes of the states.

6. Read up on Malaysian history:
There’s much more to it than what they teach you in school. Good titles include: A Short History of Malaysia by Virginia Matheson Hooker, The Unmaking of Malaysia by Ahmad Mustapha Hassan, Where Monsoons Meet: A People’s History of Malaysia by Amir Muhammad and From Majapahit to Putrajaya by Farish A Noor.

7. Get involved:
Volunteer for an NGO that is active in the issues you care about and stands up for the marginalised groups in society. A pretty good list of these organisations can be found here.

8. Get to know your neighbours:
Be active in your own area. Take part in events organised by your neighbourhood association if it takes your fancy. Be aware of any safety or environmental issues in your area, and alert the authorities and/or media if something needs to be done.

9. Learn about Malaysia:
Take a walk outside your shell, in someone else’s shoes. Go on a road trip up or down the country when you have the time, to a state you have never been to. Learn about the culture of another race, the creeds of another religion. Talk and share experiences with someone who isn’t of your ethnic or religious group. Read blogs like theCICAK and CEKU. Write back to them if you have something to say!

10. Think, Talk:
When was the last time you had a talk to your loved ones about Malaysia? About a current affair? Talk to someone younger and someone older about what they know/think of the nation’s past. It’s present. Its future. Talk, but don’t forget to listen as well. That’s the first step to successful communication. Have an open mind and a willingness to learn.

These are just ten very simple, tentative steps towards being a more conscious Malaysian. Feel free to add to the list.

–
KEITH LEONG is a contributing writer for theCICAK.

Keith was born in Melaka, grew up in Damansara Jaya. He recently completed a master’s degree in English from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He enjoys baroque music, grand epic movies and long walks.

CHUAN ZUI is a graphic artist for theCICAK.

Zui is almost an Otaku but hates big-chested anime characters. He is a twisted weirdo because of his islander kiasuness, a result of living his early childhood in Singapore. Zui is an artist of few words. Visit his site.