OUR young voters, numbering about one million, will have the opportunity to vote in the coming general election, and they ought to be supporting parties who present younger candidates and who are technocrats. We need to use the strength of our diversity to get the best from all Malaysians.

In an age of globalisation and post-Covid, we are all affected by issues of climate change, environmental degradation, pollution, floods and fires. Antiquated identity issues are played up by politicians who do not have a progressive agenda for the future.

Climate change and environmental degradation affects everyone irrespective of race and religion. Take a look at what is happening in Pakistan, a nation that is facing the brunt of climate change issues while their fractured political climate is not serving the interests of the people.

Consider Sri Lanka where ethnic issues led to a protracted war. Today, this bankrupt country is hoping to get a loan from the IMF to stabilise their economy. If we in Malaysia continue in the path of identity politics, we will likewise at some point have to face similar tragedies.

We need politicians who are able to plan ahead and develop strategies aimed at mitigating these impending challenges. Many of the dinosaurs in our political scene do not have this capacity.

This calls for a new breed of politicians who care and who are equipped and educated to meet these challenges. With inflation, price increases as well as interest rate hikes which further inflate mortgage rates, there is a need for concerned politicians who feel and understand the plight of Malaysians.

Najib Razak is not today’s phenomenon. He joined politics when his late father Abdul Razak Hussein died. He has spent over four decades in parliament. During much of this time, he was under the tutelage of Dr Mahathir Mohammed and his cronies.

Najib witnessed how serious corruption issues in Sarawak were tolerated for decades. He also was a witness to many scandals during the Mahathir era. He became conditioned to this reality and lost his sense of balance. He never stood up when it mattered. There were no checks and balances put in place, so he moved as he wished.

Najib’s plundering of the country’s riches was condoned by the cabinet and Barisan Nasional. This was the culture within the coalition. MCA and MIC were satisfied with picking up crumbs. Together, the elites from all the different sections of the coalition raped the nation.

They were all part of the cherry train and everyone looked after their own selfish interests. Many ministers became wealthy, and the combination of money and power intoxicated them.

There are far too many dinosaurs still standing for election after being in parliament for over 30 years.  Some behave in a very self-righteous manner, but all are guilty for being silent in the face of the corruption that takes place at the party and cabinet levels. Corruption has become a systemic issue, that is the plain truth.

The vote of the young is important. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Their vote makes a difference to the overall so it is important that they think, reflect and choose the right candidate and party so that their aspirations for the future can be realised.

Irrespective of the election’s result, voters need to fulfil their duty and obligation to vote. It is their right and responsibility to do that. – October 26, 2022.

* K. Haridas 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.