AFTER three months of effort, eventually Malaysia flattened the pandemic curve. However, ruling and opposition party politicians then started arguing. The government is trying to prove that it did a good job combatting the pandemic. Pakatan Harapan Plus is still trying to figure out the best candidate to be the ninth prime minister.

As an ordinary young Malaysian, I believe many of my generation are starting to feel tired about politics. Politics is supposed to be a way to solve socio-economic issues, change for better governance and fight for democratic rights. However, what has Malaysia been through since the “Sheraton Move” in the end of February this year? Is Malaysia back to square one, where money politics is allowed? Is there any meaning for Malaysians to vote for change?

To be honest, I feel tired about politics. I feel tired when knowing most of the politicians only care for their interests. Their initial values and beliefs can be changed once they gain power and authority. Politicians are the ones who are supposed to be there for the people but in reality, what do we see? 

When I visited old folks’ homes, orphanages and rural villages, I felt extremely sorry for them. Old folks, orphans, disabled communities and rural villagers are vulnerable groups that our country should pay attention to. But what do we see in this society? During this pandemic, it is clear to see society is becoming more divided. Inequality is getting more severe, where the rich become richer, the poor become poorer. 

Such inequality can be clearly seen from Sabah, where I am from. There is lack of access to basic infrastructure (i.e. water, electricity, road, health and education), digital connectivity, low industrialisation, lower salaries compared to West Malaysia and higher unemployment among youth. Recently, Veveonah Mosibin, who is a foundation student at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), had to climb up the tree in order to get a strong broadband internet signal to answer examination questions back in her village, Kampung Bilangau Kecil in Pitas, Sabah. When Ryverra Wiviani Rinus, a 15-year-old Kadazandusun student from SM Keningau googled “digital divide” using her mother’s phone back in their home at Kampung Bomboi in Keningau, she couldn’t load the page.

Also, there are many young talents who are born and raised in Sabah but they are not being noticed by the government and authorities. In the end, they have to migrate to Kuala Lumpur or overseas for better opportunities. For instance, Soon King Yaw, 28, a Tawau native, is now in San Francisco for his filmmaking career and recently, his latest short flick “All I Did Was Smile and Say Hello” has been selected to open the prestigious KQED Homemade Film Festival. Christian Didier Chin, a Kota Kinabalu-born 19-year-old, is now in Kuala Lumpur, and is the highest-ranked Malaysian in tennis. He is the first Malaysian to win an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures title in Singapore last year.  

The government and politicians are supposed to allocate resources according to citizens’ needs. But during this pandemic, I noticed that wealthier families still receive welfare assistance. Ironically, most of the vulnerable communities did not receive welfare assistance.

Therefore, now is the time for the old folks’, orphans, disabled communities, rural villagers, urban poor, low-skilled workers, unemployed and undiscovered youths’ voices to be heard. 

And most importantly, please lah… Let the unheard voices of Sabahan to be heard. – June 29, 2020. 

* Yeo Yan Yin reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.