Calling Home An Ocean Away

As 6,932 ballots are flown back to our homeland of Malaysia, each one containing a voter's voice, the postal voters' drive in the United Kingdom and Ireland comes to a conclusion. The past few weeks have not been easy on any Malaysian student abroad, and Cheng Jie interviews a few who were in the thick of the action in this editorial. As we count down the hours to a new Malaysia, the youths can sigh in collective relief, knowing that we have made a difference by speaking out and exercising our democratic rights to vote in the 15th General Election. The rest is up to fate.

Continue ReadingCalling Home An Ocean Away

Fahmi Reza’s Kelas Demokrasi or Kelas Disrupsi: The Struggle for Political Literacy

As GE15 looms closer, Malaysian youths are increasingly curious and hungry for political literacy; whether it is taking democracy to the streets or stalls engulfed with the aroma of tom yum at Kelas Demokrasi, it's evident that where democracy leads, youths will follow.

Continue ReadingFahmi Reza’s Kelas Demokrasi or Kelas Disrupsi: The Struggle for Political Literacy

Shagrilla Raid: Three steps forward, one step back

The impending GE15 sends us a beacon of light, a glimmer of hope at change and progression, especially as we, the youth, are finally given the voice and opportunity to vote for a better Malaysia. When we think of this time, we should think of liberation and freedom for all; freedom to vote, freedom from labels, and to be ourselves and to present ourselves in the ways we wish.

Continue ReadingShagrilla Raid: Three steps forward, one step back

The voting age was lowered to 18 in 2019. Was it a mistake?

With politics being a topic discouraged within the walls of schools, many would argue that 18-year-olds could not possibly have the capacity to understand the complexity of Malaysian politics. One of the reasons for lowering the voting age is so that the youth’s interests can be represented and for there to be an increase in voter turnout; this is surely one way to ensure democracy in Malaysia is being upheld as citizens exercise their right to vote. But what about the step that precedes voting — forming one’s own political opinions? How is the youth supposed to understand the goals and ambitions of the political campaigns running for the 15th General Election?

Continue ReadingThe voting age was lowered to 18 in 2019. Was it a mistake?

The Struggles of Democracy in Malaysia

Over the past few years, Malaysia has seen a tremendous shift in political power. For the first time since its independence, Malaysia was ruled by an opposing coalition. Two years later, in February 2020, the Perikatan Nasional coalition was formed and led by the eighth Prime Minister, Mahiaddin bin Md. Yasin. A period of political unrest followed the period of COVID-19 outbreak, eventually leading to the dissolution of Parliament on 10 October 2022, paving way for the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15). What does this mean for the nation and the people? Is this a sign of the end of democracy as many would claim? Or the start of a democratic reformation?

Continue ReadingThe Struggles of Democracy in Malaysia

No Truss In Tory

An old saying goes, “a day in politics is a very long time”. I hope that Elizabeth Truss will find solace in that saying. Her 50 days in office is the shortest in British history and when history tells its tale, she will not be remembered well. Number 10 is now inhabited by Rishi Sunak, the first British-Asian to hold the position. Mr Sunak, who lost the Tory Party leadership race to Ms Truss the previous month, inherits an economy with stubborn inflationary pressure, a fractured Tory party, and a low approval rating in the polls.

Continue ReadingNo Truss In Tory

Let The Voting Games Begin

After standing in long lines, the very act of marking your fingers with ink and putting a cross in a box next to a name sends a sense of relief through your body, as an anxiety-inducing election will soon reach its finishing line. However, that is swiftly followed by a melange of emotions cropping up. Your heart is suddenly beating fast, your mind is racing, you're having trouble sleeping, and you’re exhausted and overwhelmed from consuming the news outlet on end, uncertain of what the next years will hold. These are valid feelings and are soon to be experienced by millions of Malaysians.

Continue ReadingLet The Voting Games Begin

The Relevance of Asian Values in Malaysia’s Human Rights Debate

With the rise of speedy information and awareness in this generation, people are becoming more vocal about human rights. However, there are opposing views with regards to progressing human rights laws in Malaysia, especially from older generations and leaders like Mahathir and Lee Kuan Yew. Believing that human rights would jeopardise the development of the community due to excessive freedom, it is seen as a form of Western imperialism in disguise and Asian countries like Malaysia should stick to Asian Values.

Continue ReadingThe Relevance of Asian Values in Malaysia’s Human Rights Debate

Diminishing Empathy: Desensitisation, Violence, and the Media

These days, the media is the main source of news and entertainment. With TV shows and video games being at peoples' fingertips, it is easy to become overexposed to content, including those of violent nature. As a result, violence - be it through the news, videos or pictures - is slowly being normalised, and people are gradually becoming numb.

Continue ReadingDiminishing Empathy: Desensitisation, Violence, and the Media