By Syed Saddiq
Every cloud has a silver lining. World War II opened the eyes of the world to the perniciousness of wars and the need for long term peace. New laws were created. Institutions like the United Nations were set up to prevent such a tragedy from taking place again. Mindsets were transformed. Innovation and competition heightened, and these contributed to global prosperity.
We can hope for a similarly happy ending to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) crisis. We are aware of the trail of destruction that it carries wherever it goes. This brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Razak has amassed an unprecedented RM50 billion debt. It has triggered investigations in more than nine countries. It has has infused political instability in our country due to the actions of its protectors, who would go as far as using Sosma, a law intended for terrorists, to silence its critics.
Because of all this, more and more Malaysians are standing up against the structures of oppression. Who would have thought that one of the loudest voices against oppression would be that of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, a man who never endeared himself to activist democrats during his time in power?
The 1MDB crisis has indeed opened the eyes of millions of Malaysians to what is wrong with the administration of their country. The “cash is king” culture is deeply rooted within the ruling coalition. The levers of power have often been abused to buttress Najib’s claim over Putrajaya.
In less than two months, the Save Malaysia movement was able to collect more than 1.27 million signatures for its petition. Some may dismiss this as petty, but it does carry a huge moral weight. It means 1.27 million Malaysians have signed a commitment to better our nation. It means that there are 1.27 million Malaysians who will talk about this with their families and friends. This is a historical feat.
On average, there will be at least one trending 1MDB-related issue per week on Twitter. There are more than three million Malaysians on Twitter and 10 million on Facebook who will encounter at least one 1MDB-related post per day. The level of political awareness has skyrocketed. Even in less urbanised settings, more and more Malaysians are aware of the ongoing crisis. In Napoh, Jitra, more than 3,000 people turned up for a Save Malaysia gathering. In Majoi, Perak, there were at least 3,500 people who showed up. This is a promising sign for change.
This crisis has highlighted how major reforms are needed to correct the institutional failures which give oxygen to our corrupt leaders. A mere cosmetic change is inadequate. How can a functioning democracy allow for a Prime Minister to consolidate power while being closely linked to a company embroiled in global investigations in more than nine countries? How can we allow him to continue to rule despite his abuse of an anti-terrorism law, despite the clamping down on the media, despite the silencing of dissenters through threats, and despite recommendations for criminal investigations against him?
The pillars of democracy have been subverted. The Attorney-General’s Chambers, the MACC, the executive branch, the police, the media and many more are not left out from the subversion campaign. This calls for a complete overhaul of the system. If the system is still behind the Prime Minister, it signals how dire a situation we are all in. It signals the need to collectivise for the sake of our nation.
In Mexico, a law passed in 2014 under the Citizens’ Initiative allows for citizens to directly propose any bill in Parliament if they’re able to collect more than 120,000 signatures. The Citizens’ Initiative, driven by civic groups and prominent public figures, is dedicated to the pursuit of structural reforms in Mexico. The crisis there has led to a people’s movement as a solution to the ongoing problem.
Malaysia is going through a similar awakening. Last year, we were a sleeping giant, but we’ve been awakened by the 1MDB titanic. Now, we are not a sleeping giant, but a wounded one. We are aware of the problems that beset us, but we’re still too wounded to act as a resounding force. Once the wounds have healed, we will be able jump up to take on the chains of power.
It sounds almost defeatist to say, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” However, at times, it takes a shot of depression to instil optimism. It takes suffering to drive courage. It takes an injustice to reveal the hunger for justice.
Syed Saddiq is a researcher at Bait Al Amanah and part-time lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
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