I WISH to consider the future of the voting in Malaysia by our youth. It is through the rose-tinted spectacles of nostalgia that I reminisce about the times when I, as a child, would gloss enthusiastically over the victor of every Disney movie, a clear indication of the prevailing of good in the adversarial sword fight between the forces of benevolence and malevolence.

The villain and his henchmen would be thwarted and banished into ruinous exile, left to be mocked and ridiculed. The kingdom exonerated from the crude stench of deplorable evils would now enjoy harmony and peace.

Thunderous applause would ensue with the installation of heroes and heroines ceremoniously cheered on and showered with fragrant flower petals and happy smiles, signalling the dawn of yet another happy ending.

But just as Walt Disney intended, this narrative is deeply rooted in the grounds of fictitious thought and is a far cry from how the practical world of good and its diametrically opposed cousin operates within the realm of politics, where a victor emerges and a villain loses.

Bearing in mind that youth are now expected to contribute at the ballot boxes and harbour political opinions, we ought to collectively change the empty, virtue-signalling political narrative that we have been led to believe for far too long.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn proclaimed in his book “The Gulag Archipelago” as he attempted to flee a Stalin-led administration that the line between good and evil is latent in the heart of every man and woman.

This ingenious quotation teaches us to understand that it is incredibly unlikely that a particular person is rooting for good, and the other rooting for bad. 

All of us have an innate sense of wanting to see justice in the nation. Therefore, it would be ignoble of us to simply accuse the other side of being bad actors. We at times have our heartstrings pulled at the elections not by the words of logic and argument, but by the sort of words a huckster at a bargain stall would use to steer people away from rival merchants, in which we find those who shout the loudest and who promise the wildest of things more ideal, as opposed to genuinely reviewing what is being offered.

On opposite sides of the current political spectrum, accusations are viciously flung to dilute the currency of parties’ campaigns. 

The lesson is simply this – we ought not to simply point fingers and perpetuate the game of blame given the flaw-ridden nature of human beings. We end up resorting to tactics that are worthy of condemnation.

Christopher Hitchens quite rightly said that the essence of the independent mind is not in what it thinks but in how it thinks. When looking at politicians’ actions, emancipate yourselves by observing their actions and dedication to the people and do away with pointless character assassinations and distractions.

Therefore, while the evaluation of our own interests is important when considering ideal leadership candidates, efforts must also be made to ascertain as to whether those who promise to cater to these interests have even demonstrated historic commitments to do so. At times, what may be necessary are alternative candidates, even if they are not ideologically united, as they may show greater dedication towards preserving the interests of all Malaysians indiscriminately.

There exists assumptions among the voter base that the political party voted in are necessarily morally pristine, this is then used to level criticism against the opposing party – describing them as morally flawed. This is far from the truth; the Malaysian political arena has been demonstrated to be a grey area.

Youth ought to ensure that their heartstrings are not tugged by mere blandishments from those who have every incentive to promise the world in order to assume the throne of power. Rather, there should be a strict analysis of what is optimal for the country. A precautionary word of advice: voting in those who have conducted their political campaigns imprudently only incentivises a rehashing of such practices as it provides a picture of tolerating such actions.

If youth continue to allow themselves to be infantilised by those who repeatedly stoke tensions to gain power, they will continue to be targeted exploits – galvanised only to serve as a conduit for those who wish to seize power and influence. Similarly, youth must also ensure to keep those who have been voted into power accountable and not blindly shield them from warranted criticism as this only incites the opposing side to throw accusations of blind prejudice and dishonesty.

A Malaysian voter base that authentically seeks out those who have national interests at heart will be key in discouraging naivete in politics. – December 23, 2022.

* Pravin Periasamy 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.