#KitaLawan, but lawan what?

Ever since Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim led the “Reformasi” movement against his former mentor in the late 1990s, the idea that the masses – and not just policymakers – could bring about change took root in the minds of many Malaysians.

Just months earlier, “Reformasi” had been the clarion call for a similar movement in Indonesia which rallied the masses in a successful effort to oust former president Suharto.

In Malaysia, the wave of street protests that followed Anwar’s declared war with the government were unlike anything urban Malaysians had seen or experienced in decades, and seemed to reflect a nation of young people hungry for change and for reform.

From corruption to a troubled economy, Malaysians seemed to have caught on the idea that reform in every cause of choice was truly within sight.

But the ultimate problem with movements meant to stir the emotions of the masses is that emotions last for but a moment. Without actual understanding of the issues at hand, no rally or demonstration can be a part of the long, difficult road to true reform that many Malaysians are desperate for.

As a rookie reporter, one of my first assignments was to cover a massive pro-Anwar rally in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I’d never before seen so many people turn up for a single cause, and the entire atmosphere was electrifying.

But towards the end of the rally, a large group of young men started to become agitated and violent. They began setting the Malaysian flag on fire before proceeding to throw rocks at riot police stationed menacingly at a distance.

I remember asking myself if they truly knew what “Reformasi” was all about. What was it to them that a man was forcibly removed from power and charged with a crime he claimed he did not commit? Did they even understand what it was about our nation that needed to be reformed?

I asked one of them later why they were at the rally. His answer was an angry, “Kerana kerajaan tidak berguna, kerajaan kejam!” (The government is useless and cruel). These were political rhetoric spewed by the rally organisers, and were not personal convictions.

Protesting appeared to be more an avenue for these young men to vent out their anger at a system that hadn’t worked for them. In the years and many following protests that ensued, I noticed a similarly disturbing trend in many demonstrators. Many were there just to make up the numbers.

Fast-forward 15 years – and another sodomy conviction – later, the opposition alliance has now sought to revive the passion of the 90s by consolidating all the grievances of the nation under a different catchphrase, one that was more in line with the times. Thus was born the #Kitalawan movement.

But if it is truly change that we want, and not just large numbers in the streets, Malaysians must look beyond being mere participants in rallies. For the many Malaysians who have stayed back in this country out of choice – and not a lack of it – it is imperative that we ask ourselves, and truly understand, what is it that we’re fighting for?

Corruption, poor governance, loss of faith in core institutions, suppressed rights and a failing education system – the list of problems plaguing our country goes on. But it is no longer enough for us to know of the issues.

To be true agents of change, we must be well-informed about the issues, and what needs to be done to address them.

The next #Kitalawan rally falls on this Friday, as a protest against the recent implementation of the Goods and Services Tax.

Like the boys I saw on my first street rally, Malaysians can exercise our right of assembly and participate, chanting slogans and demanding for the abolishment of goods and services tax. Challenging the status quo is, after all, a fundamental democratic right.

Or we can choose to stay home and find out more about the goods and services tax (GST), and about why many Malaysians are demanding that the government removes this taxation system.

If only a handful of people turn up this Friday, but they know exactly why Malaysians are calling for the abolishment of GST, I believe it would be far more productive than if thousands came and left, just to be able to say they were there.

So go, by all means, to the #Kitalawan rally this May 1. Voice your grievances and fight for a better Malaysia.

But be sure you understand enough about what you are fighting for. Otherwise, my advice to you is to stay home, take the time and effort to understand and form your own stand.

And then just wait for the next rally. – April 26, 2015. 

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