I have been following this issue for quite some time, and have taken a good look on the arguments presented to those support it and against it.
The latest development of argument, of course happened few days ago, after Dato Saifuddin Abdullah, and Dr Maszlee attended a forum organised by Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM).
Looking at lines of exchange of thoughts, I would say that some have good arguments, and some don’t.
I do hope we are not limiting the arguments to just doing diploma and degree. “Mahasiswa” also includes those doing Masters and phDs.
Considering the arguments presented, I am assuming that the major concerns are for “mahasiswa” taking diploma and first degree. Therefore, my following two cents are based on the concerned group of mahasiswa doing diploma or first degree. And here is my two cents thought:
- For those opposing the idea:
Indeed, I do understand your concern on the welfare of the students, who are still studying under sponsor or loan obligation. The main responsibilities of the students are to study, make a living if not contributing back to the society.. and paying back the loans, if applicable. I also understand on the argument that how prepared are they to serve, when serving their area in universities also under question.
However, the way I look at things, there wont be so much trouble IF they want to contest in GE. Why?
The number of those contesting might not be in BIG numbers. There might be here and there, but won’t be in big numbers, unless PR and/BN taking them into their camp, supporting them with resources to contest.
IF PR and/or BN considering to sponsor them, I verily believe that the leaders of each will also consider the viability to have students to contest for them, and the ability to manage the parliament/DUN the students contesting (if they win).
Things to consider:
- Can the student have a good command of the area (if they win)?
- Can they have control over the political workforce in the area, or they merely become a puppet?
- Will the political workforce succumb and follow the order of these students?
- Will there be no power struggle?; and the most important
- Will the students not jump the ship, when their demands are not met by the party they represent? They are young, they are eager, they are full of “desire”..
Under these circumstances, I think, for now, will PR and/or BN will have much to think, if they want to take students under their wing to contest.
IF PR and BN not taking them, I can consider that the number of seats they will contest will not as much.. let them taste how is it like to be in politics outside campus..
AND of course, with conditions, IF THINGS SCREWED UP, don’t put the blame on others. Part of GROWING UP, is to TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES on what you have done and will be doing.
Correct me if I am wrong.. I remember that both, in certain quarters of PR and BN have called for an opportunity of younger candidates to be filled to contest for GE, and for the old guards and dinosaurs to step down and retire. So.. aren’t they also young candidates?
- For those agreeing the idea:
I understand the view that chance and room can be given to them. Yes, all you guys ask is for space to contest, and not belittled the students.
However, although I sense the high spirit and step up campaign asking for room to contest, I don’t see the credibility just yet.
First, the most obvious for me was, the night Dato Saifuddin was attacked for standing up to the idea letting students to contest, little came into defend. Come on, you guys asking for it, but you let the deputy minister to protect you? Do remember, once you decided to contest, it should be you do the defending, not anyone else. You are asking for your “right”, but you are late in defending your right. You let others to be based up first.
If this is the style, I can look that the Parliament or DUN under your responsibility will be a mess. From start you can’t stand and fight for your right.
Plus, in real life, prepare and beware of what you wish for. You want to get involve and contest, please be prepared to be attacked morally and mentally. Being “diperlekeh” will be part and parcel of Malaysian politics.
Even more true, I can see some of you arguing “memperlekeh” others. Come on guys.. “diperlekeh” you don’t want, but you can “memperlekeh” others? And yet you asking for protection?
IF you are damn serious about contesting, act like one. Grow up and stand by your decision. Prepare also if you screwed up or being screwed, what are you going to do. Pointing fingers won’t help you much. Do remember, if because of contesting and politicking you failed to complete your diploma or degree, don’t blame others but your own selves.
CONCLUSION
From my point of view, I have no problem for students to contest. Let them taste their own medicine and grow up, if they wish to contest. I don’t encourage or discourage.
By the way, using “Bill Gates” argument won’t bring us that far. Why?
- Bill Gates is not into politics. He is into business.
- His business does not depends on votes but on sales.
- However, he knows what he is doing. IF he fails, I don’t think so he will blame the government for his failure. Unlike our mahasiswa, anything wrong, “it will be government’s fault” and will go for street demonstration. Different mentality.
So, my question is.. how ready is our “Mahasiswa” to contest, and manage the area IF they win?
Again, I don’t encourage or discourage for mahasiswa of diploma or degree to contest for GE or even by-elections.
Question on the street: Is our Mahasiswa having the same set of mind like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg? Taking responsibilities of OWN DECISION and ACTION?
