The younger generation must never remain politically immature and apathetic.

The change that we require, December 19, 2011

Does the recent changes to our political system really allow for more diverse views to be heard? Have we installed enough safe guards so that the minority races are not politically sidelined?

Malaysians in general today have become more vocal whether online or publicly on issues that they feel strongly about. This is a clear indication of a positive development that needs to be nurtured through greater political space and engagement and such engagement will help a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Remember our very peculiar political system is not set in stone. Instead our politics must evolve over time and Malaysians in general must respond to new circumstances and goals.

Every government (whether they are state or federal) must be very magnanimous. For instance when there are public discontent on various issues, such problems must be properly handled and addressed, and if need be such problems must be adequately aired.

When there is a refusal to address problems properly the people feel there is a need for more opposition voices even when they were once fragmented and may not be capable of providing a credible alternative.

The 12th General Election served as a good lesson for the opposition parties. The opposition which were once fragmented and constantly bickered against at the 12th General Election came as a united front to defeat the Barisan Nasional.

Today they are a truly an alternative, capable of ruling the country should the time come. The opposition is becoming stronger because the ruling Barisan Nasional is playing too much on racial lines which has effectively segregated large portions of society.

The opposition must formulate a consistent and conservative policies that will help the people move forward towards political evolution and the newer system of governance must ensure that the rights of citizens are guaranteed and protected in the face of globalisation.

While the people must not vote the opposition or incumbents just on circumstantial facts the voters in general must dissect their policies and proposals before endorsing them at the ballot box.

The younger generation in particular must never remain politically immature and apathetic. Our system must be re- shaped to produce plenty of good political leaders where the young with leadership qualities can bloom and come forth naturally.

To ensure free political participation no one individual or political party should be ostracised for his political conviction. When elections are won with pork barrel politics, gerrymandering and without a level playing field, such victories are hollow and without honour.

Therefore it is now ever imperative to create a system representative of the people’s voices wherein ideas and cries are truly translated into results.