No time for complacency

THE past few months have been a whirlwind of change for Malaysia. Even now, our country is making global headlines because for the first time in national history, we experienced a transition of power at the highest level.
As a youth from an urban area, my social feed was flooded with politically-charged reports and opinions in the months leading up to the general election. Everyone seemed to have something to say, motivated by a desire to create awareness and influence voters.
Technology played a crucial role in this election, fusing together scattered pods of people united only by the same desires burning within. Never before had I seen my peers so invested in politics, the voting process, manifestos or political candidates.
And so GE14 came and went. When the results were confirmed, emotions ran high both on and off the screen. For many, the country's political landscape had become a utopia of sorts. The unthinkable had come to pass, and it was surreal.
The new federal government voted in by an undeniable majority is working hard to deliver its promises. Several breakaway episodes in this dramatic exit of the longest-ruling coalition in our country are still ongoing, but by and large the landscape has cleared.
However, as the dust settles and ink stains fade from the tips of index fingers, the silent creature of complacency seems to be creeping upon us. As young people, we're so easily distracted and often lose interest once the climax is over.
That can be said about GE14. Yes, we still hit the obligatory double-tap whenever a political report jolts us to memory of what happened last month, but memes, Korean celebrities, cute animal videos and fashion news have once again become our focus.
Perhaps many believe the battle is over and we can now return to the woven cocoon of daily life until the next general election comes around, but I humbly challenge you to think differently.
A healthy nation only exists as long as a solid check and balance system for governance is in place. This requires a confident, functioning opposition and citizens who choose to keep the federal and state governments, state apparatus and civil bodies on their toes.
In this conversation, who you or I support is irrelevant. A federal government is in place, comprised mostly individuals and parties who have never known what it's like to sit in Putrajaya. A coalition that has known nothing but power since Malaysia's independence is now learning to be the Opposition.
As Malaysians, we get to choose what happens next. It is our duty to stay informed, ask questions and not be afraid to hold both the government and Opposition to account. Spur the growth of a healthy democracy by encouraging elected officials to always keep their word, act transparently and hold themselves to a higher standard. As for the Opposition, don't dismiss their efforts when they responsibly query the activities of the federal government; it is what they're meant to do.
We must also be mature, responsible consumers and citizens. In this age of digital communication, that means exercising restraint and wisdom in conversation as well as ensuring accuracy of information before forwarding it to every contact in your phone list.
We are extremely privileged to be living in this historic season for Malaysia as a nation and people. But now is not the time for complacency. In this new landscape, the safeguarding of Malaysia's peace and prosperity is just as much our duty as it is the politicians we have elected into power.
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