It goes without saying that Malaysian political landscape has seen a significant change following the 2008 General Election (GE). Positive values have arisen and this has attracted the public, especially young people, to be involved in determining a fresh political direction for this country. With that, we can no longer claim that today’s young generation have no interest in politics. And I, for one, as a youth belonging to the ‘Gen-Y’ group, happen to believe Malaysians of my generation are more interested and in tune with the local political developments than ever before.
Are Undergrads Immature?
Former UiTM vice-chancellor, Tan Sri Prof Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah once said, to my disappointment, that undergraduates in Malaysia are not mature enough to be involved in politics. I would like to ask him what would be his definition of mature. For me, his statement is totally insulting towards the ability of university students in this country. If it really is so, it means that he as an academician has failed in developing quality young generation that will inherit this nation.
In the last cabinet session, the issue to permit university students to be involved in politics has been discussed. However, the result outcome was disappointing not only to me, but also, I can assure, many of my undergraduate contemporaries. As it stands, students are prohibited to be involved in politics and, to me, it seems like political leaders are seeking to preserve and are content with this so-called status quo. Does this mean even the lawmakers agree that students are not mature enough? If it so, it is such a shame.
Since the early 70s, students in Malaysia have been betrayed as they have been denied the rights to mature ideologically like those before that period. This is due to the introduction of the Universities and College Universities Act (AUKU) in 1971. I won’t get into AUKU since it has been debated many times but I would describe it as a ‘demon’ that has been haunting students since it was created.
Common Stereotypes towards University Students
What I would rather get into is the prevailing perception of ‘senior adults’ on undergraduates. For me, the older adults’ (those ..above 30 years old) view towards university students need to be rectified. For one, they seem to see us university students as a group of society that needs to be constrained from many things. Not only are students not allowed to get involved in politics; they also need to get the approval from the administration to hold events, speakers must be approved by the administration first and many more things. Everything is set as if we are inept and incapable of making decisions for ourselves.
What infuriates me even more is certain, no, MANY adults complain that university students nowadays are overly pampered and spoilt. Besides that, they also claim that the quality of these days’ fresh grads is less than satisfactory. I would like to ask those people who made that statement, who is to blame if their claims are true? Is it right to put all the blame entirely on the students? I would declare right here, right now that, if this is so, those making this judgements are irresponsible and inconsiderate. These people just know to complain but we never see any solutions from them. Either that or they have a populist agenda that would benefit none other than themselves.
The Myth of Youths Uninterested in Politics
With the existence of AUKU, it is unfair to say that young generation have never been interested in politics. The truth is many of us are interested in politics but we are prohibited to actively get involved in it. I’ve met the Perkasa president, Datuk Ibrahim Ali several days ago and he kindly shared with me his experience when he was a student in ITM. According to him, his student days had played a big role in the development of this country as they were free to express their ideas. He told me, if there is anything that they did not agree with they will talk and discuss about it openly. In fact, they also handled demonstrations to protest about certain issues.
“Today the thrill is no more. If students want to hold a talk session, they need to get permission from the administration. This person can (give talk), this person cannot. There are restrictions. I agree with the idea of demolishing AUKU,” said Ibrahim during our recent meeting.
Students Shut Out by AUKU
For the next GE, it is estimated that almost seven million young voters will determine the outcome of the elections whether it is in favor of the government or opposition. It means that their votes are very important. Both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat must tackle this group of people if they want to make sure that they will be in power. As of presently, I strongly believe that Pakatan is leading in tackling young voters.
If BN want to woo the young generation, they must provide the latter with more opportunities. Nowadays, there is no way of guaranteeing that if the father supports BN, his children will also vote for BN. It is becoming apparent that the younger generations these days tend to be non-partisans. Also, the party who give more opportunities to young leaders will get the support from the youths.
What I’m trying to say on behalf of other university students like me is that we only appear to be the least bit interested in politics because our hands are tied by the dubious AUKU. Our lawmakers have taken away our rights and freedom to be active in politics which they had when they were students in this so-called democratic country. It is just sad and unfair that the law implemented to prohibit students from taking part in politics was created by the exact people who enjoyed the freedom to speak their minds and take part in the development of this country.
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