Protests: Annoying noises or concerned voices?

Picture from IDEAS

 The wave of protests by Malaysians throughout this year is a sign this generation has become more politically aware, a wake-up call that we need to patch up and pick up an already-withering democracy. Social media has played no small role in stirring all this up. From the witty hashtags posted on Twitter to the eye-catching posters shared on Instagram, bearing out the protests held within these past few months, these platforms have rallied the tech-savvy youths to take part in protests for the cause these youths believe in. Many sadly cannot take part in street or sidewalk protests, whether from health concerns or geographical constraints. Luckily, the youths today are no longer bound to a particular place and can show their mutual solidarity in their cause from anywhere thanks to the internet.

However, even with this recent development, there are some still sceptical as to how far the government will listen to the protestors. A few years back, I had seen people flinging snide remarks at protestors. I am sure people with this kind of mindset are still around, people who prefer to stick to the status quo and be in their comfort zone. This mindset is found across the social spectrum: I have seen those socioeconomically disadvantaged shrugging their shoulders at the protestors’ cause and also witnessed those highly educated hurling insults at the protestors. Though coming from diverse backgrounds, they share one common ground: they fail to see the importance of protesting and how it can lead to a healthier democracy.

From afar, it might look like protestors are only making noises, be they marching through the streets with their placards or typing an opinion article on their keyboards. How about we turn this down-tearing mindset into something more up-building? Protests are the people’s way of demanding for improvements. The government puts forth policies, policies that might not work or over time may have become irrelevant. Therefore, those at the receiving end would like to see improvements, as they are the ones obligated to go through carrying out those policies.

Let us take an example of the recent contract doctor strikes (#HartalDoktorKontrak). These doctors are civil servants and have been grossly mistreated by the government, ranging from having no opportunity for permanent positions to lacking the prospect for career advancements. Without voicing out their concerns, they might lose the will to go on working which down the road will badly hit the service quality of the health sector. The ongoing news about the strike has drawn the attention of the Malaysian prime minister. Although he laid out a only half-baked solution, as claimed by a representative of the contract doctors, the issue has successfully captured the attention of policymakers, the group in the position to overhaul the policies linked to contract doctors.

So, to those who remain sceptical of the impact of protests, please rethink and frame it as concerned voices calling out for actions to better the society and services given out. If we have this kind of mindset, policies and services will be rolled out and carried out more efficiently. In the end, we, as the consumers or stakeholders, are the ones who will receive the fruits from any improvements made. The results might not be immediate, but with consistency and resilience, through protests, change can happen.