Democracy isn’t endless squabbling

Maybe it’s just me, but isn’t it exhausting to scroll through story after story of mismanagement, inane comments from the powers-that-be, and the slow painful degradation of our democracy AND our actual environment. The continuous series of squabbles that we end up reading, hearing and commenting about do not seem to lead to any point in particular, but more like a competition over who can be more righteous (or as we Malaysians like to say: “more better”).

It begins as light entertainment then grows frustratingly irritating. After a certain point it turns to white noise that many would prefer to turn off.

Apathy; yes, it’s dangerous and weakens our democracy but how are people going to be convinced to continue to pay attention if all they get is disappointment.

Knowing when to act

Let’s be honest, there is little use for understanding the objectives and purposes of democracy, if there is no democratic culture for that knowledge to take root. More democracy education and political literacy is helpful, especially for young people and new voters, but a person does not need to have intimate knowledge of the branches of government to be able to meaningfully participate. Some our elected representatives themselves are examples of this. Of course, please support these education initiatives, but the people need to do be able to do more with that information. Enough people already understand the value of democracy to know that it requires the active participation of the populace, but what is the point of participation in the democratic process when the response is either to be ignored, silenced, or shut out by entrenched interests trying to preserve control.

It is difficult to ask people to participate in political parties or other democratic initiatives if it only leads them to being macais for the people on top. There are very few avenues that would allow people to participate as partners, and not just become pawns. I would not blame this on any particular leader or organisation but, again, a reflection of our immature democratic culture which obsesses over preserving power for personalities, rather than achieving a purpose.