The Malaysian Insight

AS Merdeka Day rolls around, uppermost on the minds of young activists is the government’s failure to curb racism, allow freedom of expression, and facilitate an effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Activists told The Malaysian Insight the 64th Merdeka Day will be nothing more than a reminder to Malaysians to persist in their pursuit of freedom.

The activists said the dream of a “Malaysians’ Malaysia” is still very much a work in progress as the country continues to struggle with the concepts of race and class structure.

Universiti Malaya’s Association of New Youth (Umany) president Liau Pin Chun said the country remains mired in bigotry, racism and conservative thinking.

“The concept of a Malaysians’ Malaysia is still far beyond reach,” the 21-year-old student activist said.

“Racism is not only promoted by the politicians but is also deeply rooted in society, while the lack of a reading culture and critical thinking among Malaysians cause them to turn away from progressive ideas.”

Liau also expressed concern that a section of the population continues to stand with the authorities on stamping down on civil liberties in the name of “controlling the pandemic”, referring to the clampdown on street rallies organised by youth groups.

Mohd Asraf Sharafi Mohd Azhar, spokesman for Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat, a main organiser of the rallies, said the #Lawan movement is necessary as Malaysia’s future is at stake.

Asraf, who planned at least three of the rallies, said the movement was borne out of public anger at the incompetence of the previous Perikatan Nasional government.

“The impetus to fight for change comes from the fact that something is lacking and improvements are called for,” he said.

“Every day the government does its best to dampen the fighting spirit, the true spirit of Merdeka, through undemocratic laws and policies.”

Asraf urged Malaysians to keep pressuring the government to serve the public.

Undi18 co-founder Qyira Yusri urged the youth to be both optimistic and realistic.

Qyira has led the youth-centric movement for democratic reform since 2016.

“We are now going through one of the worst recessions and unemployment states,” she said.

“But seeing the way more young people are speaking up on politics or policies, I think we are on the right path.

“This country is what we make of it. Democracy is a work in progress and needs constant work to keep it balanced.”

Young and hopeful

Joyce Ong, from Perlis, said it is difficult to feel the spirit of Merdeka in the current political situation.

The 26-year-old technical writer said it feels wrong to celebrate independence when so many in the country are struggling to make ends meet in the Covid-19 and economic crises.

“Maybe we can take this day to remember and honour the lives lost, it’s the least we can do,” she said.

On the Borneo side, Ronald Lim Vun Kai said the word “Merdeka” has become a mockery.

“It seems to be a scam against the rakyat, especially East Malaysians,” the 30-year-old architect said.

He said he is disappointed at the federal government’s treatment of Sabah and Sarawak, which are often sidelined when it comes to opportunities and development.

Lim remained hopeful, however, of change,.

“It’s not too much to hope Malaysia can be a leading country in the world one day.”

Amanda Lee Shi Ying, from Johor, said there is much work to be done before Malaysia can call itself  a progressive nation.

“To move forward, our country will need to be bold and step out of its old ways, address inequality and accept changes that will benefit the nation,” she said.

The 27-year-old educator said the future of her country remains bleak but added there is hope if everyone keeps pushing for change.

Isaac Pereira, from Selangor, said events of the last 18 months have been discouraging.

“I’m afraid the only thing that will give me hope for our country again is a significant change in the next general election,” the 24-year-old law graduate said. – August 31, 2021.