Malaysians and room for debate

Second in the world.

That was what a debate team from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) was rated at the World Universities Debating Championships in Greece last week.

Yet, there wasn’t as much fanfare as I expected, barring a few "shares" on Facebook.

Here was the biggest stage on the world for debate but it failed to grab the attention of many.

It is simply because Malaysians aren’t allowed to debate.

When presented with an idea, problem or conflicting view, many of us take the easy way out and sweep our thoughts under the carpet.

Whether it is born out of fear, not being used to articulating our views or worse, not being allowed to do so, we just do not like debating.

We are then caught in an imaginary straitjacket and sometimes have gag orders imposed because:

i) Debating is not a norm

ii) Some people take debating as being "disrespectful"

Some weeks ago, two very good friends of mine who are strong supporters of opposition parties were mightily unhappy after I wrote a couple of commentaries on the misgivings within opposition political parties in Malaysia.

One even thought I was being a turncoat because I now appeared to be a government-friendly individual.

Nothing of what I wrote was highlighted though, which was odd.

I grew up in a very traditional family where debating was not allowed. If I spoke against something, I had better be prepared to face some dire consequences.

And boy, were there many of those instances with heavy punishment. 

Likewise, others have gone through similar situations and have found themselves between a rock and a hard place.

If one works with a particular political party, the unwritten – or sometimes written – rule is to remain silent irrespective of whether you agreed with a particular policy.

Or if a deputy prime minister doesn't agree with his superior, his choice would be to either stay quiet or face being booted out.

Even journalists who don’t agree with an extremist editorial stance their bosses take have to sometimes bite their tongues although they do not subscribe to that view.

All because debating – or arguing, articulating, call it whatever you will – is not part of usual practice in Malaysia.

As a result of this longstanding problem, the hallmark of debate – Parliament – is reduced to a joke because only a very few members of Parliament know and appreciate the room debate.

Debating is an opportunity for trapped minds to be liberated – it allows for an exchange of ideas involving people with different backgrounds and opinions.

It allows people to get from point A to point B and solve the problem they are facing.

Essentially, it is a tool for progression. Without it, we are regressing.

It is as much an art as it is a science.

And if Malaysians are given a proper room for debate, then as a nation with ambition, we could probably have an opportunity to be recognised as the world’s best for something positive this time, like the students from UiTM. – January 6, 2016.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.