ACCORDING to recent findings by the Centre for the Future of Democracy, Generation Z or now known as Zoomers, has never before been so dissatisfied with democracy, particularly when compared to the older generations. The political instability and economic exclusion we are currently experiencing in the country right now would ultimately contribute to a democratic disconnect among the youth. To put it simply, the youth are increasingly turned off by politics.

While the politics of cynicism and resentment has never been so high, perhaps since the inception of our nation, I still believe that the politics of hope can prevail. Some would say it’s blind optimism, but if we all work together, we can soldier on and come back stronger.

The below are a few approaches that we can focus on to create a better year ahead.

1. Solidarity, not meritocracy

The pandemic and the containment measures implemented have decimated jobs and placed thousands of Malaysian livelihoods at risk. Without an income and sufficient social protection during this period, inequality will sky rocket and create a vicious cycle of poverty if the mindset of “survival of the fittest” persists. The rich will be richer but the poor will get even poorer.

During these periods of economic adversity, everyone plays a role in ensuring that our nation recovers. If you’re better off, donate to your local community and the poor; if you’re a boss, provide decent pay to your employees and avoid retrenchment. We’re all in this together.

Moreover, to mitigate the pandemic outbreak, we need to have solidarity for everyone including the outcasts in our society. For instance, prison inmates, refugees, illegal immigrants, and foreign workers should be provided with clean and hygienic living quarters where physical distancing is possible. The failure to do so, as we’re facing right now, will cause more Covid-19 clusters and perhaps even a fourth and fifth wave.

2. Change starts with us, not the government

Pakatan Harapan and its predecessor, Pakatan Rakyat, have campaigned on the idea of change since their inception. In GE14, about 5.5 million Malaysians put hope on that idea, and succeeded in changing a 60-year-old regime. Throughout the 22 months under the PH government, however, those who voted on that idea were reluctant to change.

To put it simply, everyone wants change, until it happens to them. Everyone wants the rule of law, until it is applied to them. Everyone wants corruption to go, until it benefits them.

Change will only happen if ordinary people get involved and get engaged. Change will only truly come when we become the change and not just demand a change of government.

3. Politics of kindness

Malaysia is currently a 50:50 democracy – a democratic process that began since GE12 where the government’s share of voice (SOV) was at 51.4%, while the opposition’s SOV was at 48.6%. In GE13, the government of the day lost the popular vote where its SOV was at 47.9%, while the opposition’s SOV was at 52.6%. Similarly, the government lost the popular vote again at 48%, while the opposition garnered 52% in GE14.

Thus, the idea that one political party or coalition can bully and demonise others is wrong and it should end. Instead, political parties should start treating each other as rivals and not enemies. Kindness and empathy should be the emphasis and not assertiveness and strength.

The “Sheraton move” may be one of the most undemocratic political manoeuvrings our nation has ever seen and experienced. However, it’s not the doom of democracy. Instead, it might lead to further democratisation if we believe in it and fight for it. 

There are a few indicators to justify this idea. For instance, the Johor Menteri Besar recently called the opposition “strategic partners” and provided equal allocations to all state assembly persons regardless of party affiliation. Similarly, the Perak Menteri Besar struck a confidence-and-supply agreement (CSA) with the opposition, which provided equal allocation to all state assembly persons and invited the opposition to various district-level committees.

4. Vote!

Many are angry and disappointed by the outcome of GE14 and the “Sheraton move”. Some are dissatisfied with the promises made by politicians, while others are furious at politicians for switching allegiance without any repercussions. I think it’s right to feel that way. But it would be a false notion to think that there is no point to vote anymore.

Just by virtue of one single election, things don’t become perfect, but it makes things better.

As a matter of fact, civil rights of African Americans was not guaranteed when Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in 1861 nor even after the American Civil War. It took decades for it to happen. Even until this current day and age, there are still some setbacks. This shows that even fundamental human rights could take years to be recognised. And that is part of democracy; it won’t always be a smooth upward trajectory ride, but a series of ups and downs.

Similarly, it took three general elections (GE12 to GE14) for a regime change to take place, and it may take dozens more for real and proper reforms. That said, I hope Malaysians will hold that same belief in GE15.

Democracy has always been hard. For every two steps forward, it often feels like we’re taking one step back. But so long as we keep fighting and persevering, I’m confident that we will move forward to build a democracy for all Malaysians. Democracy, after all, is a marathon, not a sprint.

There will always be hope in politics. – January 4, 2021.

* Sun Cheng Kidd is the co-founder of YPOLITICS, an independent youth-led movement that aims to encourage greater political awareness among Malaysian youth.

* 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.