Responsility as Malaysians

1) What is the responsibility and role of each Malaysian, especially the youth, in upholding the
constitution, and working towards creating a society with integrity?

The Federal Constitution of Malaysia is the supreme law of the country. It lays out the rights and responsibilities of the federal government, the member states in the federation and the citizens and their relation to each other. The constitution amongst others, enunciates the basic rights of its citizen providing them with fundamental liberties. There’s a co-relation between the adherence of the constitution and the creation of a society with integrity. When the constitution is followed, rights are protected, laws passed in Parliament aren’t arbitrary, and integrity of the society is well intact. However, when the contrary occurs, there will be no respect for one another, rights of the citizens diminished, laws are nothing but created for the ideals of the elite few causing integrity of the society to crumble. Therefore, each and every Malaysian has a compelling if not imperative responsibility and role to defend the sanctity of the constitution. The least that every Malaysian, especially the youths can and should do is to be aware of the basic fundamentals of the constitution. Ignorance is not an option. It is only when we have this knowledge of the constitution that we are able to scrutinize and question the powers that be, creating a check and balance mechanism to ensure that the constitution is not opened to abuse.

2) Why is it important for youth to realise that they each have a role to play in creating a
Malaysia we can be proud of?

The youths have to realise as a matter of fact that the many grouses and discontents we have today in this country will be their inheritance resulting from the doings of the older generations whether they like it or not. Being the “beneficiaries” of what it already is, the obvious is that they are mainly the ones to steer the direction of what they want Malaysia to be. Whether for Malaysia to remain in the rumbles, or to stand tall among nations therefore lie in their hands. Their realisation of the importance of their role is the key to change. This realisation will give birth to initiatives, passion, ideas and sense of belonging. Quoting Mahatma Ghandi, “You must
be the change you wish to see in the world.” So in short, for change to happen and to create a Malaysia we can be proud of youths have to initiate the change and this can only happen if they know the importance of their role!

3) What are the ways we as Malaysians can stop complaining and start doing things to instil
in ourselves and each other a sense of nationhood?

We Malaysians generally like to complain. And too often complaining is the end of the process for many. As clichéd as it sounds, the quote “Ask not what can your country do for you but what you can do for your country” by JF Kennedy is the classic question one should ask himself to instil a sense of nationhood. One can only feel the sense of nationhood when he feels a sense of belonging and ownership. It’s only logical that when we own something we want the best for it and would do our best to ensure that it is in a good condition. In this context we want the best
for the country. Then how can we start? We want the best for the country in terms of
infrastructure, education system, economy, governing and etc. And this can only happen when we vote for the best policies by the representatives or candidates during elections to implement it in the best way possible. Surveys have shown that many Malaysians are still not registered as voters. So instead of complaining, those who have not register themselves as a voter can do so as a good start. On top of that, we can also help create awareness on issues and highlight problems which might affect us and the country, making them known to the government of the day to who is responsible for implementing policies to take action in rectifying them. One of the
effective ways in expressing what is best of the nation is by taking active part in NGOs which are bent on voicing out issues and problems that the nation faces. For example, UndiMsia provides a platform, especially for the young to promote greater participation and workable solutions in problems and decisions that affect them and their communities. It also has the aim to assist young Malaysians to ask the right questions and make informed choices when they vote at any process which requires the election of leaders, facilitating young Malaysians to identify issues in election campaigns and to vote based on those issues. Knowing what’s best for the country and
wanting it to be done for the country generate a sense of belonging and ownership for an individual Malaysian which in turn instils a sense of nationhood within him.

5) What are the key values (moral and religious) that are crucial for a society to be one that
can live in harmony and be civic-conscious?

In a country as diversified as ours, we need to eliminate racism. Every now and then we hear politicians and community leaders making racist remarks which do not augur well towards harmonious living. The key is to respect each other and be understanding of other cultures other than our own. We need to show humanity without prejudice. Most religions teach us to love our neighbours and to be kind to others regardless of race. We need to advocate for a society which abhors injustice and corruption. A society with integrity and good governance will always ensure that fairness and justice are displayed and manifested in action. One example would be the criteria for selection of scholarships for education or selection of business tenders. How transparent are these processes is crucial. The constitution also incorporates many provisions which ensure the citizens are entitled to be treated and fairly. We have to guard the sanctity of the constitution jealously. If done so, this will lead to a contented society with less grouses which in turn result in harmonious living.