Of Protests and Undergrads

Malaysia recently was surged by the so-called uprising of university students because of... Stuff.

I can't seem to follow too much of what they're fighting for. However, there is some cohesion in all their demands and that is the repeal of the Universities and Colleges Act. Yep. They want it completely gone, after the government announced that the section that prohibits the political affiliation amongst students would be amended.

I mean, I really have mad respect for people who stand up to what they believe in. I would join the more peaceful rallies if it wasn't held so close to my study week, no kid. Oh timing, timing, timing..

But, like I said. The more peaceful ones. Know what happened? Hundreds of them went to the UMNO headquarters to hand over a memorandum and one excited undergraduate from USIM actually took down the flag of our Prime Minister and replaced it with another flag of... Something. Hahaha. Sorry. I know only substantial events. Have to fill my head with academic stuff. Exams are near.

But thats the story. Essentially. You really don't have to know everything.

Now for what I think. I think its fine we have healthy demonstrations by students as a platform to rectify their dissatisfactions. I do, it's about time really. As a law student I understand that even when one doesn't agree what the other person has to say, they have the right to say it.. Provided that what they say is not disruptive to the peace and security of everyone. Words are powerful, but power can go both ways.

There was a video circulating around by some of the more spirited UMNO members who wanted to.. Uhmm.. Spit at the students because of what they did. They even warned the students to not be the horses of the opposition.

Ada argument yang lebih akademik tak please? Kalau tak akademik pun, rasional la. Kat Malaysia ni bukan ada kerajaan dan pembangkang jer. Haha. My lecturer warned us to bring an umbrella whenever we get near UMNO headquarters.

Now, whats peculiar is the whole unity in all the rallies and demonstrations. After what happened, there were students who actually directly condemned the acts and show support for the Prime Minister. He wasn't well recieved, not in Youtube anyway. We have to remember that the Internet can make one person look like 10 people so I can't really guess what's the majority opinion.

This leads me to my other peculiarity. So yes, I think bacause of this 50-50 split of students who actually want to rally and those who don't, sometimes its an annoyance rather than an effective tool for change. Change can happen only if we are a significant part of society, if the majority truly believes that what is happening is a total breach of their fundemental right. Does this reflect on these rallies and demonstrations in Malaysia in general?

When the UK students rallied (ok, rioted), it became international news. When the subway workers rallied, the whole subway system halted. When the Libyan protested, a dictator met death. Why? Because these people are significant. Because if these people ceased to work, society ceases to work. Can we Malaysians be this significant? Can we truly be united in challenging oppression as to bring about enough voice for change?

I'm not saying we should go kill people. Just, be effective as a group. But if you're a few in your cause, maybe you should think about what you're doing. Is it really the voice of the majority? Are the majority too scared, or are they just comfortable with the status quo? Are your demands too far-reaching for your target group to be convinced enough to rally? Convince people. Be effective. Get effective people. We can do so much with the voice of the majority but you have to gather these voices.

But you know what's really funny? Our PM didn't say squat about any of this. Hahaha. The PM usually listens to what the students have to say, I personally have been to youth events attended by the PM. Tak dalam schedule kot semua demo-demo ni. I think the marketing strategy of the organisers of the student rallies should be revised, but you know, regardless, have fun rallying guys.