MOHD FADHIL ALI, Subang Jaya, Selangor
2011/07/15
MALAYSIA has upheld democracy for more than 50 years. Learning from mistakes and experience, the present administration seems to know which step to take first. Malaysia is a template and role model for any country practising democracy within a multiracial setting.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak seems to know which door to open and is pragmatic. His 1Malaysia concept reminds all about the importance of unity.
But it seems difficult to discuss democracy nowadays. I notice that Malaysians take politics as their religion and once they hold a certain belief, it is hard to debate with them.
Does democracy really matter? Is it an important factor to the success of a country? Most people believe so. But I would say it depends on many things.
Democracy means everyone has the right to choose whatever they want, which bring us to another word -- "freedom".
Most people think democracy is good because they think it is fair. But is it? Democracy doesn't equate with fairness; democracy simply means the majority wins.
If the decision is always made by the majority, how can it be considered fair to the minority?
We have to understand that 100 per cent freedom simply means zero freedom. If everyone can do whatever they want, they will definitely do something that you don't want them to do.
Freedom does not exist; the closest thing to freedom is half freedom. You can do this, but not that. Everyone can drive on the road, but you need to obey the traffic lights. You can speed, but there is a speed limit.
If you give people the freedom to choose, most people will make a foolish or selfish choice.
If you let your young son choose whether he wants to play football or study, what would he choose? If the government lets the people decide whether they want to pay tax or not, which one would they choose?
There is no one who is 100 per cent satisfied. Look at Greece, where democracy originated. What has happened to it now? It is facing an economic crisis, partly due to too much subsidies.
I believe we are more democratic now than before. For instance, activists are operating and challenging the government, something alien in the 1990s, when it was far more restrictive. There is greater political freedom and there is less of a "culture of silence". Now everyone can reject or even make false comments on issues freely. Issues are becoming more public.
But we should also remember that a nation can develop well even in the absence of freedom, liberty and equality. China is the best example.
A non-democratic country can also provide a good life for its people. What is important is to have the right leader to run the country. If you find good people to run a country, even dictators can make a country developed.
Too much freedom will burn us. As citizens, it is our duty to respect the elected government. That is the true meaning of democracy.
The next general election will be held soon and people can choose freely which party they want. But no matter what you choose, the winner will define democracy and we all have to obey. That is how the system works.
