BY RACHEL MINA & UMIE SYAZWANIE MOHD
KUCHING: Social media platforms have made it easier for people to voice out their views on the nation’s current political situation.
However, a critical question arises: should social media be regarded as a bad thing or is the participation of people through it the result of a growing awareness of their democratic rights?
Political commentator Associate Professor Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat favoured the latter, saying: “What we are seeing now is, in fact, an integral part and parcel of the democratic process in which we should take part in.
“We must remember that democracy is quite messy and it is not a walk in the park for a country to be called a democratic country.”
He urged everyone, particularly youths, to remain involved in politics and the community, noting that it was the civic responsibility of all Malaysians to do so or else democracy in the country would perish.
Assoc Prof Ilan added that the country needed the energy and enthusiasm of the younger generation and the vision and wisdom of senior politicians.
Meanwhile, another political commentator, Datuk Peter Minos, agreed with Assoc Prof Ilan.
“As citizens, whether young or old, we cannot avoid politics, just like we cannot avoid issues of race and religion.
“It’s just that we must approach them positively, responsibly, and with a desire for common good and common interests.”
He added that despite being exhausted by the squabbles among politicians, Malaysians needed to pray and hope that the new government work in peace and unity to tackle the nation’s problems.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr Jayum Jawan, when asked on how to convince youths to take part in the democratic process, pointed out there were a variety of methods.
“There are numerous ways, including voting, discussing it with friends, and joining various social organisations, such as youth movements, school clubs, and so on.”
He disagreed with the perception that today’s youths were weary of politics.
“Who says the youths are weary? What are the signs that showed this? This is a view of a few, viralled and appeared to give that impression.
“I wouldn’t be overly concerned about this perception. It is untrue that youths are weary of politics and are not participating or are shying away from the political process.”
