IN light of the recent exchange between Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, the rhetoric and old paradigm of race-based politics are again buzzwords.

Race-based issues and sentiments have been politicised one too many times. This “struggle” has been the tune that a certain faction has continued to sing for more than 60 years, which, oddly enough, tends to benefit and deepen the pockets of only the elite and select few, while their own race faces hardship and struggles to get by.

To much dismay and disappointment, the same song is being sung today by young leaders who simultaneously call for a more united Malaysia. Are they confused, unaware, simply ignorant, or all of the above? Perhaps being a politician at a young age may have its pitfalls as the “struggle” for power and popularity starts earlier. Is this acceptable or even tolerable? What do we want our future leaders to be like? Are we going to allow this to continue for generations to come?

What is for sure is that Malaysians alike are all tired of the dirty, ruthless ways of old politics and politicians, which new leaders (youth) must avoid becoming.

Decades of “struggle” seem to further reinforce one thing: that we definitely need to stop misusing our God-given peripherals and use the right organ faculty in addressing the inner core values of being human, which most leaders lack.

The dissolution of the Malacca and Johor assemblies, and talks that the general election is imminent have never been in the best interests of the people. They have always been about one’s political interests and power struggle, the opposite of how a responsible leader with values should behave.

Instead of harping on about race-based issues, it is time for new leaders (youth) to talk and worry about bigger, more pertinent matters that affect society and future generations. We should be questioning what kind of leaders we want and want to be.

Do we even know ourselves or our character? What is our current lifestyle and behaviour like? What belief system and guiding principles do we hold on to? Or are we all facing an existential crisis that we are not even aware of?

Thus, to both the politicians above, I applaud you as the new generation of leaders who have stepped up. However, I hope that you do not succumb to the old ways and set aside your values for political interest.

Malaysia is watching us. We are in dire need of leaders that are incorruptible – leaders that practise and actualise a lifestyle of values and morality instead of singing the same tune of old politics.

Nonagenarians, octogenarians, septuagenarians and sexagenarians will pass through funeral after funeral. Are we, the youth, ready?

In the spirit of “future” Malaysia, youth must be chivalrous to set aside their political divide and focus on bringing back the most basic and fundamental inner workings and core values of being human. – April 8, 2022.

* Anas Matsham 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.