Let’s demand answers

An ancient Chinese proverb says, “He who asks a question remains a fool for 5 minutes. He who does not ask, remains a fool forever.”

Recently, I came across this Facebook posting: “Banyak komen berbaur makian dan penghinaan ke atas kerajaan kini. Pendam kemarahan anda, terjemahkan undi pada pilihan raya umum kelak. Itu lebih berkesan.” (There have been a lot of insulting comments on the government of the day. Hold your anger and translate to votes in the next general election. It is more effective that way.)

I have no qualms on views with which I disagree. But I do find this statement very concerning. This statement shows how people are handicapping themselves by being too afraid to ask questions.

In schools or universities, we always use the excuse that it is an “Asian thing” that students are too shy to ask questions.

Looking at the political developments in the country, there are million-dollar questions in my head.

Think about the recent discourse on corruption, injustice and the conduct of the authorities when it comes to handling highly controversial cases. These policies affect millions of people every day and can affect anyone, including us.

1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandals are of great public interest. The question is: why are we arresting people, supposedly for having leaked information or documents? Why are whistle-blowers and protesters deemed as having committed activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy?

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has announced that the RM2.6 billion purportedly deposited into Prime Minister Najib Razak’s personal account comes from donations. But why couldn’t they reveal the whole story when people questioned the source?

Now, two MACC directors have been transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department with immediate effect – are you not wondering why?

A week ago, more than 20 protesters were arrested over the “Demi Malaysia” rally. Activists Adam Adli and Shukri Abd Razab were both arrested a day before the rally, although the police had earlier given their assurances that neither would be arrested as they were invited to present themselves for discussion.

But they were arrested as they were making their way out. Do you think it was fair to arrest them when the rally had not yet taken place? 

As Woody Guthrie’s lyrics from “This land is your land” remind us, this land belongs to you; it belongs to me.

If we do not exercise our rights to criticise, those rights are at risk of demolishment. Malaysians need more access to what the government is doing in its name.

There are probably many out there who do not really care about our country. Some have given up, while some remain silent and choose to sit and wait.

So let’s demand answers. We deserve better accountability and transparency. My question is, would you rather be a fool for 5 minutes or a fool forever? – August 10, 2015.

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