One of the most hotly contested issues surrounding Bersih 2.0, Bersih 3.0 and the movement was whether it was political or not. I think this is reflective of how we individually feel – how do we help the nation best, by being non-partisan or going down the political route? A version of this was published in theSun on 13th July 2011.
Effecting Real Change: Political or Non-Partisan?
Young Malaysians want to impact society but are struggling to figure out precisely how to go about doing so. I had the privilege of meeting with a group of young Malaysian students, all recruits under an excellent internship programme called “Otak-Otak” recently.
The programme places students from local and foreign universities in various governmental, non-governmental and private sector organisations for two months, and organises events where they would be exposed to discussions on a range of issues. This particular informal session, hosted by the Centre for Public Policy Studies (and sponsored by Citibank), for example, allowed an interactive conversation on youth involvement, civil society, political trends and national development.
Whilst the dialogue traversed topics on the education system, the economy, brain drain, Bersih 2.0, the role of the media and the country’s future direction, one key trend emerged.
It was obvious that all of them follow political developments closely, and are acutely aware of the twists and turns taken by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat (and, well, Perkasa), mainly through the online medium. This, after all, is the “clicktivism” generation whose “Likes” on Facebook or “Follows” on Twitter define their positions taken on politics and government.
However, it was revealing that when asked whether or not they would see themselves working in a full-time position over the next five to ten years within the civil service, non-governmental organisation, think tank, media or active civil society, with the objective of contributing to national development, only four out of the 42 responded positively. The rest either felt it would be futile to fight the system, or preferred to work in a more productive environment such as within the private sector.
The Trend of Non-Partisanship
There was also a strong indication that they would rather work within a non-partisan and independent organisation, preferring not to be affiliated with any one side. This is a trend that is strangely enough creeping upon many Malaysians, even those who were once vocally opposing government policies.
Perhaps this is to do with disillusionment of both sides – Barisan or Pakatan – where they perceive neither has delivered upon concrete policies, or lived up to what was originally promised. Whether or not the disillusionment is justified is a different matter altogether, since there is much one can say about equal access to media, resources and machinery, all of which affect communication strategy and delivery.
The success of Bersih 2.0, for example, in garnering support from a large cross-section of society, is equally telling of current sentiments, where it is becoming increasingly popular to call oneself part of ‘civil society’, this ever-evolving and often undefinable entity.
One can indeed understand the reluctance of people to be directly involved in political parties or government; we have witnessed the childish descent into gutter politics, outright lies, ridiculous statements, and would not wish ourselves a part of this crude ugliness.
One can also understand that because of this, there is an increased interest in starting initiatives outside the formal political process. And there are multiple such “third party” movements these days, including the likes of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, LoyarBurok, Bersih 2.0, and a host of traditional non-governmental associations. These platforms are not directly political per se, but they certainly have political content that push the boundaries and urge critical social action for political change.
Maximum Impact
These students, alongside almost every concerned Malaysian citizen today, are cracking their heads at this national crossroads of sorts. Knowing the landscape of politics that we have today, the question remains: What should I do to ensure my involvement leads to maximum impact for the country’s future?
In an ideal world, civil society ought to occupy as legitimate a position as political parties in pushing for change. This, we believe, is the fifth pillar (after the Executive, Judiciary, Legislative, and the media) in instituting governance and policy reform, where non-partisan civil society organisations are given a valid voice. The pressures placed by a loud enough community ought to nudge along those in power, making them sit up and listen.
And although this is an ideal I would still hold strongly to, the reality is that the channels of decision-making still remain largely within the hands of political parties through representation at Parliament, and ultimately the Cabinet. This raises the question of how social movements ought to be conducted within such an environment: can civil society push through a movement and gain significant traction, without needing support from any political party? (Read: How people criticise Bersih 2.0 as being ‘hijacked’ by the Opposition.)
Ultimately, until and unless civil society – or any non-partisan body – is recognised as an equal partner within formal committees, taskforces and the like for the purposes of policy reform, there will still be a tendency for political parties to be relied upon to advance a particular cause.
We ended the session by saying that it is important to do anything, in whatever capacity, affiliation and position, excellently. It is true that Malaysians of all walks of life, whether in the corporate, public or non-governmental sector, have a significant role to play in contributing to the country’s future.
But for maximum impact through a massive shakeup of government policy and corrupt practices? Apart from traditionally going the political route, Bersih 2.0 has shown that an alternative does exist. But only time will tell if this will result in real electoral reform.
