CEKU Advocate

by Arisya Azizi  From elaborate titles and designated police outriders to VIP sections in hospitals and prisons, it truly seems that Malaysia has many privileges for the elite few and…

The UK has seen its fair share of challenges since 2020. With the pandemic taking charge, a series of unfortunate events followed soon after. From having three Prime Ministers in a year to the Queen’s passing, the sterling took a deep dive following political and economic uncertainties. Now, the nation is challenged with its biggest issue yet: the cost of living crisis. The cost of living crisis (CoL) began in late 2021 as an effect of the pandemic. Inflation was at an all-time high, causing a rise in prices and a fall in the public’s real disposable income. In other words, there was a significant increase in the cost of living compared to the previous year, creating an economic gap that has only worsened.

Democracy is not a foreign concept in the 21st century. Reigning champion as most countries’ governing system, democracy seems to ride on the notion of equality. At the same time, it doesn’t really seem to represent each and every individual equally. We could look back on the origin of democracy itself, in ancient Greek, where only males could participate in it. Centuries later, even though certain circumstances have improved, most women are still sidelined in politics. We’ve heard of campaigns for more women’s representation and participation in politics, but why does it truly matter? Why would having more girl bosses in the political arena be important in Malaysia?

In a decision that baffled Malaysians, the dissolution of the Parliament and the day of the 15th General Election fell precisely within the monsoon season despite expert warnings of early monsoon. Within the week leading up to the election, floods in seven states, namely Pahang, Johor, Penang, Kelantan, Selangor, Malacca, and Kedah, displaced over 3000 victims to 32 evacuation centres, according to the Department of Social Welfare. Issuing warnings of thunderstorms and flash floods in over 12 states, METMalaysia had also raised alerts of large-scale floods in late November, where the nation must brace itself beforehand.

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.

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.

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.

Countries like the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have made abortion legal and accessible for women. The most recent amendment in Malaysia laws with regards to abortion was in 1971 and 1989 where abortion was made legal to save a woman’s life, mental and physical health. However, the law still remains unfair towards circumstances like rape survivors and many argue that the law is in need of review.

The lyrics from a well-known patriotic song, Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa, imposes the idea that Malaysia’s national language, Bahasa Melayu is the key for unity. However, instead of becoming a unifying force, the reality of adopting a single language as the official language of a multiracial and multicultural country is that it becomes another obstacle to unity.

Leaders around the world gathered for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as COP26), a two-week summit to negotiate and enforce action tackling climate change issues. However, the conference left most with yet another letdown. Disappointed and outraged, large groups of activists protested around London on November 6th demanding for real action.