I’ve always had questions about what it meant to be a protester, to be in the minority. Are the people who are trying to find peace, who are trying to have the Constitution apply to everybody, are they really the radicals? We’re not protesting from the outside. We’re inside.
– Gil Scott-Heron, American jazz poet, singer and musician
A small group of around 200 protesters recently gathered in Putrajaya to challenge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. The protest, which was small in scale, nevertheless poses a question: are demonstrations an effective way to bring about political change?
Personally, I don’t believe in any form of demonstration or rally. I have always viewed these gatherings as a waste of money, time and effort. Demonstrations, rallies and street protests rarely achieve anything in the short term.
More often than not, demonstrations simply exploit public sentiment, which fades over time, rendering the original motive irrelevant by the next election cycle. So, demonstrations are not an effective platform, except to serve the selfish intentions of a minority few.
Take the recent protest in Putrajaya. With only about 200 protestors (perhaps they are paid by the organisers or just given a packet each of nasi lemak or mee mamak), it was a far cry from a substantial movement capable of toppling Anwar’s government.
Had the demonstration been larger, the government might have taken note of the ‘people’s power’. However, the small turnout was merely a display of dissatisfaction by some disgruntled Malaysians, and not reflective of the broader public opinion towards Anwar and his unity government of coalition partners, including the once vocal DAP – vociferous when it was in the opposition, but now certainly a lame duck!
While I don’t support demonstrations, I acknowledge that it is the democratic right of Malaysians to protest peacefully within the country’s legal framework. In a democracy, peaceful demonstrations should be allowed, provided they do not cause safety issues or damage public property. The June 29 protest in Putrajaya adhered to these principles, being peaceful and compliant with the law, though some uncalled-for expletives and profanities were used.
Historically, some demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations, with property damage and clashes with police. For instance, during the Reformasi Era, demonstrators often acted irrationally, leading to public disorder.
It is crucial for the authorities to step in if there’s a risk of violence or property damage. The government’s recent caution against the Putrajaya protest, citing the unsuitability of the area for demonstrations, could be seen as an infringement on the democratic right to peaceful protest.
However, the Anwar Administration must balance freedom of expression with public order and safety. Actions such as creating effigies of leaders to be stepped on are dishonourable and not representative of our culture. Demonstrations focused on race and religion are also problematic. While I support protests against political or economic issues, race and religion should be off-limits.
Protests against the removal of diesel subsidies, for example, are a waste of time. Subsidies are a significant drain on national finances. Last year, the government spent RM60-70 billion on RON 95 petrol and diesel subsidies alone.
Such expenditures increase the national debt, a concept not fully grasped by many. It is the government’s responsibility to educate the public about the long-term economic impacts of subsidies. Continuously demanding subsidies will only cripple the nation economically and lead to social problems like in other countries.
Leaders need to communicate effectively with the public about policies affecting them, especially economic ones. Citizens have the right to demand accountability from their government. They are, after all, the ones who vote them into power. The government should remember that they serve the people, not the other way round.
So what are the effective ways to influence government decisions beyond protesting?
For one, let us engage in constructive dialogue. Talk directly to lawmakers through formal channels. Writing letters, emails, or arranging meetings with representatives can be a more effective way to voice concerns. Constructive dialogue can lead to meaningful discussions and potential policy changes.
Then again, from personal experience, it is difficult to even get an appointment with the elected representatives. Little Napoleons (like personal assistants or press secretaries) are the main barriers! Sometimes, or rather more often than not, our letters don’t reach the persons that they are intended for.
Another method is social media and social platforms which are effective tools though some ministers or politicians would advise us against using these platforms.
The media is a powerful tool. Writing columns, editorials, utilising social media platforms, and engaging in public discussions can amplify issues and attract attention from both the public and policymakers. Campaigns that go viral can have a significant impact.
Writing petitions and organising advocacy campaigns is also effective, which can gather widespread support and demonstrate the depth of public concern. When presented with a substantial number of signatures, petitions can compel the government to address the issues raised.
Then there are public consultations. Governments (but unfortunately very rarely in our country, though our leaders in the government sometimes ‘test the water’ so to speak, by making statements) often hold public consultations for new policies or legislative changes. Making our views through consultation platforms provides a direct avenue to influence decision-making. It ensures that public opinions are considered in the policy-making process.
Of course, education and raising awareness, in my opinion, are two effective ways. Raising awareness about issues through education campaigns can inform the public and generate support for a cause. Education can help people understand the implications of policies and the importance of civic engagement.
Or if you are game for it, run for office! Yes, join politics! For those passionate about change, running for office is a direct way to influence government policy. Being part of the government provides the platform to effect change from within. But many of us are rather happy by being kopitiam politicians.
And finally, don’t blindly support candidates based on race and religion which has become a “disease” in our society. Even though a leader doesn’t perform, we tend to support him or her, just because he or she is orang kita (our people).
It is important to support reform-oriented candidates – regardless of the race or religion they are from – who advocate for desired changes that can help shift the political landscape. Campaigning for and electing reform-minded representatives can bring about the policy changes sought by us.
While demonstrations have their place in a democracy, their effectiveness is often limited by scale and the nature of the protest. More strategic and constructive approaches, such as engaging in dialogue, leveraging media, participating in public consultations, and supporting reform-oriented candidates, can lead to more substantial and lasting change.
The July 29 Putrajaya protest should be a reminder that while public sentiment is important, the methods of expressing it must evolve to be more effective in achieving political and social goals.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
