WHEN I read futurist Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock decades ago, I had no idea that we as a nation would one day arrive smack dab in the middle of his theory of societal shock.
Toffler warned us that the quickening pace of change in every aspect of our lives would overwhelm us – not just us individuals but whole nations, and the world.
Well, technology is certainly changing our lives very quickly, overwhelming us via the Internet with an endless flow of information.
Misinformation, immature perspectives and viewpoints, unfounded accusations, and the unprofessional action of asking leaders to step down at the drop of a hat all seem to be the order of the day.
Because like citizens everywhere, Malaysians have embraced the poison of anonymous comments, viralising half truths – intentionally or unintentionally – that set up endless scenarios of mistrust not only among the different races and faiths but also between the people and policymakers.
Anyone, literally anyone, can switch on a WiFi-connected device and air their views in any way they want for anyone listening to hear. And the tragedy is that most of those listening are too lazy to verify anything they hear – much less think for themselves! – and simply echo those views, passing them along, expanding their reach.
The thing is, so much of what is said is downright wrong or, worse, deliberately hatred-inducing.
The climate change-driven wildfires sweeping the planet are nothing compared with this fire brought about by the digital revolution and an unthinking, uncivilised freedom of speech that is consuming us all.
Two factors are burning out the soul of this nation: Freedom of speech unhindered by responsibility and decency, plus super fast social media platforms driven by algorithms designed to favour “mob think”, ie populist views that gain lazy clicks and likes.
In the smoke-filled haze of confusion and high-tension exchanges of opinions and views, who then truly leads Malaysia?
The responsible “good” politicians may try to answer the massive influx of ugly comments, accusations, and endless questioning, but they are powerless and at the mercy of the mindless citizenry.
Yes, I said “mindless”.
It is mindless to burn your own house down just because someone sent you an unverified message that made you stomp and fume.
It brings to mind the Malay saying: Marahkan nyamuk, kelambu dibakar (angered by the mosquito, the mosquito net is burned down or “To cut off your nose to spite your face”).
To save this country and rebuild its foundation we need to do three important things.
First, we must accept the reality that certain communities have become much more conservative compared with the old days. It is a pity that despite all the education that is available to us, conservatism has become worse over the years.
Why? Well, because we remain trapped within an industry-based education system that only produces workers and isn’t concerned with the values of communal integration. That is a huge mistake. And then, thanks to social media, this problem of misunderstanding and hatred is multiplied a hundredfold.
Secondly, we need to stop the blame game and assess the strengths of our position. We can explain issues in a clearer manner and we can use social media strategically. We must know who to trust for now and not lump all politicians under the label of “useless”. There are many good politicians wanting positive change but they need our help to counter the poisonous rhetoric and half truths flooding the Internet.
For example, Malaysia’s handling of the recently concluded Asean summit has been hailed far and wide as a success but within our own borders there are those who not only claim it was a failure but also say that we are selling our sovereignty.
Do those who say this know what they’re talking about, do they offer facts and well-thought out arguments to support their position? No, they simply want to be controversial and gain attention and, eventually, votes so they can sit in power.
Politicians or columnists or influencers, none of them were at the negotiating table and yet they shout as if they were. Come on, lah.
Thirdly, we Malaysians must learn about the “new politics” for ourselves. If the new politics surrounds a particular religious narrative, then we need to learn what this narrative is and how best to either counter it or live with it.
Responding in anger and righteous “democratic” feeling just adds fuel to the fire. We must practice patience and restraint, and pool our knowledge and resources, as well as gather friends from across racial and religious divides, and all together flood social media with our rational take of the situation.
The battle is already raging. Sitting it out will cost us our children’s future. We need to draft anyone and everyone for the good fight. We must be the ones to lead Malaysia towards a hopeful future – yes, with the help of the politicians, the responsible ones at least.
Our country is our responsibility, and its problems nowadays are mostly our own fault. The buck stops with us.
Prof Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi is Professor of Architecture at the Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Studies at UCSI University. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.
