Remain loyal, leave or voice demands?

We are now in a critical and challenging period, mainly due to the uncertain future of the state’s leadership. What’s more, we are constantly scrutinised, nationally and internationally, for many reasons.

On human rights violations for instance, we strengthened the Sedition Act with mandatory imprisonment. We also passed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) that re-introduces long-term detention without trial.

Almost on a daily basis, ex-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad publicly criticises the leadership of current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on various issues such as Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

On top of that, we also have to deal with the complaints and confusion over the newly introduced goods and services tax (GST).

What Malaysians need is simple. We all need the government to address our salient concerns such as jobs, housing, health and education, and more importantly, to enforce our rights as Malaysians.

However, the state is in danger because its operation has become questionable and to some extent “illegitimate” in the hearts and minds of its citizens.

In a challenging time like this, when the state fails to attend to these issues adequately, citizens like us become disappointed.

Are we Malaysians going to take direct action against the state? Will the state respond positively to our demands? These are pertinent questions that linger in our minds.

There are three possible options for us: we can choose to remain loyal, leave or voice our demands.

Remain loyal

The first option is to remain and demonstrate our loyalty. That means putting up with the state’s underperformance. There are many factors that would prompt some of us to do so. For example, some might think the tough times we are now experiencing are just minor and temporary.

Some might have emotional or ideological commitments to the state – that is, they strongly believe that the state preserves its legitimacy despite criticism.

Another more common factor is, those who choose to demonstrate loyalty enjoy their economic or political benefits and do not wish to change the status quo. And finally, the costs of considering to leave or to voice demands are too high to bear.

Leave

The second option is to exit or leave. Some might argue that leaving the country is considered a form of protest – that is, a protest with one’s feet.

Many say that they choose to migrate due to the political and social situation in the country which has gone from bad to worse. On the other hand, some would argue that the act of choosing to leave is cowardice.

Personally, this is the option that I find most difficult to agree with.

Voice demands

Hence, there is the third option – that is, to voice our demands to the state.

From time to time, we see the emergence of new groups, be it young or old, such as #KitaLawan, G25 and now G40.

Such forms of development show an act of demanding change and making claims against the state. For some, such acts bring a high cost and involve various conditions.

For example, the possibility of success is relatively low. Many might wonder how we are to know whether we can make a difference.

But I remain optimistic, and we should not forget that in the age of social media, public pressure can be effective to a certain extent. It might not work all the time, but there is no harm in continuing to try.

At the end of the day, your choice is personal. I have made mine. After all, thinking that the grass is always greener on the other side is a myth.

Remain loyal, leave or voice demands? Dear Malaysians, it is your call. – April 20, 2015.

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