In recent years, with the rise of social media channels where information gets passed on at the speed of electrons, I find it rather common to see from internet some critics on social issues, dissatisfaction on the government or the opposition, accusation between races and religions, etc. Most of the statements may have reflected the truth truthfully without twisting the facts or being overly exaggerated, we however habitually forget that Malaysia is, too, about you and me, not just the few parties many often point fingers at.
To elaborate, let me raise a few questions on some subjects I encountered the most online.
Many claim that bribery and corruption are common phenomenons between the politicians, cronies, business tycoons and civil servants in Malaysia. So how had you responded when your friends decided to pay some “extra fees” to get a easy pass for their driving licenses? Or those who offered or agreed to make “alternative payment” in order to avoid getting a summon from the authority?
Many claim that discrimination and exploitation of races, religion, gender or political beliefs are alarming issues in Malaysia. So how had you responded when your friends made an insulting, generalised comment on a particular group of race, religion or gender when the message is only intended to be delivered to a particular individual(s)? How had you responded when you were reminded (although sincerely) to be aware of people of certain races at night because they were presumed to be potential robbers?
I'm happy to be proven wrong, but I'm guessing at least half of the people who commented on others on the issues they are concerned about have never acted correctly and adequately themselves.
When our nation achieved independence in less than 6 decades ago, we were promised democracy, development, freedom, and unity. These promises had since guided us through difficult times, and they should always be correctly interpreted that the responsibility lies in the hands of everyone of us, from the lawmakers in the parliament to the security guard of your neighbourhood. No nation will be strong when the everyone is just expecting the guy next to them to contribute. Do your part while you urge others to.