ARE YOU THE SILENT MAJORITY?

Posted by Unknown On Thursday, October 29, 2009 22 comments
Malaysia is a land of contradictions. The vocal majority, i.e. those who hold reins of power, is the minority who control the silent majority. The silent majority is an unspecified large part of the population who either have no political opinions, or who do not express their political opinions publicly.

According to Wikipedia, the term was popularized (though not first used) by U.S. President Richard Nixon in a November 3, 1969 speech, where it referred to those Americans who did not join in the large demonstrations against the Vietnam War at the time and who did not enthusiastically participate in public discourse or the media.

Currently, Malaysians are faced with an unending and depressing list of controversial issues which contribute to the escalating mood of alienation and dismal hopelessness. The layman is bombarded with statements and protests being fired earnestly from both sides. At the back of our minds, we all wonder who is telling the truth but as more and more ludicrous events and tragedies unfold before us, it is not that difficult to see who is the bad guy in this tragic drama.

Both sides are equally intent in dishing out rhetoric that stem from selfish motivations to forward their respective agenda. Malaysians have the unenviable task of deciphering fact from fiction; truth from falsehood.

But many still choose to remain the silent majority! Wake up! Lies are roosting in our nest!!! Time to do some soul-searching and to ferret out those slanted spin yarns and replace them with hard truths which we need so badly! (I have listed some questions at the end of the post which you might like to consider.)

Why are we the silent majority? Have we lost our voices in this ongoing battle which we thought we had won in March 2008? The way things are moving and NOT moving, especially with regards to the many internal conflicts within the Opposition as a whole and the fact that the ruling regime is planting landmines all over the place has stymied the enthusiasm and political zest that steered us to victory in March 2008. The time has come for us to regain and release a new burst of political fervor which we lost along the way this year.

Actions or the lack of action from certain quarters show they are disinterested in an open debate of the issue and are instead, more interested in ramming down THEIR version of truth. Information is not freely available for the average person to make informed rational decisions. As such, we are akin to clueless sheep being led by our noses.

Do you realize that we have evil sycophants who are practising demagoguery to intentionally mislead us?

A sycophant is a servile person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, attempts to win favor by flattering one or more influential persons, or by saying lies against fellow citizens to gain some kind of profit. These actions are executed at the cost of his or her own integrity, personal pride, principles, and peer respect. (Extracted from HERE)

Demagogy (also demagoguery) is a strategy for gaining political power by appealing to the prejudices, emotions, fears and expectations of the public — typically via impassioned rhetoric and propaganda, and often using nationalist, populist or religious themes. (Extracted from HERE)

Dear Malaysians, we cannot afford to be the silent majority anymore!

History is replete with examples of inaction. Our forefathers who fought and lobbied for independence were faced with such a choice but their brave decision and actions resulted in the attainment of independence for our beloved Malaysia.

We can either quietly stand by and watch our nation fall to ruins or stand and fight for that which is the birthright of every citizen - a just, honest, transparent government that truly cares for the rakyat.

This is a clarion call for a peaceful uprising of ideals and civic duty. The current regime will face their Waterloo the next time we go to the polls.

However, we need to act now to EDUCATE and to MOBILIZE other Malaysians to share the same vision . Otherwise, our future generations will continue to face an unjust and evil government!!!

Political action stemming from our anger against corruption and injustice is very powerful if and when managed effectively and collectively. It empowers us rather than paralyzes us. Like-minded Malaysians MUST gather and actively protest against the orientation of the current administration. Together, we can give each other support and educate ourselves politically, and feel empowered to express ourselves openly.

The time has come for us to find constructive outlets for expressing and redirecting our outrage instead of keeping quiet or grumbling amongst ourselves or suppressing our emotions by being the silent majority.

Can we live with our conscience if we realize that our silence condones and perpetuates many unsavory and questionable practices?

In our respective communities, we should participate in political action or support groups where we can feel free to express our feelings and beliefs, and empowered to act upon them.

Once we take that first step, we are likely to find that the support, energy and motivation of others enables us to overcome many obstacles which are in our midst.

We MUST kick out leaders who insult our intelligence while furthering their personal and commercial interests - all these actions take away money from our pockets and weakens our ringgit!

Please do not remain the silent majority anymore!!! Let us make a difference!! We do not even have to become political activists. The first step is to register to vote or to persuade and help everyone else to do so. We need to educate ourselves on the candidates and issues before elections.

The more we inform ourselves, and engage in taking political action, the greater the difference we will make in shaping the future of Malaysia, own personal futures and that of our descendants.

We want ACCOUNTABILITY!!!

An elected government must be have limited powers over the freedom and liberty of citizens as spelled out in the Constitution, or it will cease to be a government of the people if it becomes one that dictates and controls the people. We have to know and more importantly, to exercise our rights!!!

Things may look pretty bleak now but it does not have to be that way. The embers are still there...burning. It can ignite once again. Be that small spark that is waiting to burst into a big flame of hope.

Your move!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some soul-searching questions....

What are our deeper attitudes and feelings about the political situation in our country?

Are we engaged or apathetic?

What are the deeper psychological,interpersonal and/or sociological factors which may have affected our political attitudes?

Are we suppressing our emotions because we do not want to feel discomfort or confusion?

Are we filled with so much anger, despair or powerlessness over the bleak situation in our country?

Are we detached from people who are politically concerned because we feel that it is safer to vegetate in our comfort zone rather than to take steps which may threaten our safety and security?

Are we demotivated because we feel there is little support from our community with regard to political awareness and action?

Has the media's biased coverage of political issues and events caused us to slip into passivity?

Or are we reeling in passive-aggressive anger, preferring to remain disengaged and complaining in 'safer' ways rather than taking action to make our country a better place for ourselves and our descendants?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have a lovely evening, dear reader! Thanks for reading my post. Do leave a comment to share your thoughts.





22 comments to ARE YOU THE SILENT MAJORITY?

  1. says:

    1. nick "Silence is Golden" they say and more so when you have so many of them. In my opinion, we have a very large reserve of this type of "gold" especially in our middle class segment of society. But saying that and being surprised by those majority who still voted BN during the last GE, I came to realize that most of those silent majority may well be against the government all the while BUT during the GE they are bombarded with so much crap and propaganda, most of them are giving the BN the benefit of a doubt so to speak ( our people survive by clinging to hope and they hoped that during the last GE all those slogan and propaganda may come true hence the term hopes spring eternal!). I too came to an understanding that our people ( the golden majority) are as they say "on the fence" ( golongan atas pagar). How they can be so dexterous and literally balance themselves on the pagar is of course another story. BUT the point IS most of the silence majority have fickle mind. They have short term memory in term of politician and it's during the GE that the GOMEN really blasted them with unrelenting propaganda that on the spur of the moment they unconsciously cross the "x" on the dacing and later regretting it. But it's not all their fault! The opposition too made huge blunders... They didn't really stand out for the people to see and to connect with. Our opposition gave the impression that is all wrong. Internal squabbling, concert banning, Selcat issue, Unity Gomen and so many things. The opposition should know that when you're up against UMNO and Bn and all their might and machinery, they need to be seen as flawless and much better..ten times much better! The silent majority " the Gold Reserve" is a very valuable commodity and surely it is reserved for the most deserving side. Until the OPPOSITION start behaving like a true KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, THE MOST PRIZED MAIDEN WILL NOT GIVE HERSELF TO HIM. NOT YET! SO TO THE OPPOSITION, START COURTING THE FAIREST MAIDEN AND SHOW HER THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF HER AFFECTION AND YOU WILL BE HER SAVIOR AND PROTECTOR. ACTING LIKE MR BEAN WILL NOT WIN HER HEART!

  1. says:

    2. Unknown In this cruel and cold world, Nick, the sad truth is that many tend to protect their own interests and not to look out for the collective good of the nation.

    At the same time, many could be silent due to fears and lack of information.

    With the current depressing scenario when both sides have failed in the mission for this nation, who can we turn to? It is a question of the lesser of the two evils.

    The time has come for political parties to look out for and to groom potential leaders. With the current crop, the future does not look too bright, granted that there are a few exceptions.

    If the silent majority does not open up their mouths to vocalize their expectations, the rest of us will just have to stomach the nonsense that we see before us which exists because those quarters breeze their way through each situation with hardly a squeak from many.

    Thus, a loud ROAR in harmony and synchrony will definitely make a world of difference cos the leaders will get the message and know that they cannot mess around with the rakyat.

    Until and unless that happens...I guess we will have to contend with the balderdash that they churn out, the atrocities in some situations and the hopelessness we face.

    It's really up to us whether we are ready to call the shots....

    Thanks, Nick, for sharing your meaningful thoughts, observations and aspirations. Take care and have a nice day!

  1. says:

    3. Vijay Kumar Murugavell The embers are still there...burning. It can ignite once again. Be that small spark that is waiting to burst into a big flame of hope.

    A friend and mentor told me about a decade ago "Most people have a spark of madness, but you Vijay are a full blown inferno."

    He has since passed on but the many discussions we had remain in my memory, especially our discussion about all of us being Individuals yet interdependent.

    If society acted in such a spirit its collective rights are not likely to be usurped while the majority does not choke the expression of the majority.

    In Malaysia as in other tin pot banana republics, meritocracy is cast aside while the political masters conspired to raise a whole brood of mental midgets who would give them enough votes at the ballot box to retain power.
    The government tells those of us who are trying to raise awareness as rabblerousers and ungrateful, they then proceed to make
    remarks like "look at Zimbabwe" etc, the fact that they have to make such comparisons is in itself pathetic.

    You raise some very pertinent soul searching questions in your epilogue.

    In my opinion 25-30% are fence sitters, swing voters or apathetic (until something stirs them from their slumber). The rest are hardcore supporters of either BN or PR and are difficult to change.

    The MSM plays a big role in influencing this 25%, a very small proportion of these fence sitters are healthy skeptics, most are swayed by rethoric, misinformation and false perception.

    The media is very powerful, ask advertizers who spend billions, they would not spend that kind of
    money if it was not effective.
    Did you know that BN was so pathetic the used subliminal messaging ? A few days before GE12, I was watching a movie on Astro, suddenly on the to righthand corner, a small BN logo
    with an "X" by its side appeared , no more than 1inch across and for less than a second, I thought I was seeing things then after sometime it appeared again I pointed it out and someone else saw it too.

    Socrates once said that Athens was a sluggish horse and he was going to sting life into it. I hope there are enough "gadflies" in Malaysia to sting the sluggish silent majority into action. For example how much is corruption, Hindraf and PAS and the aspirations of the rakyat related ? I would say very much, but that is another story for another day :)

  1. says:

    4. romerz I think the silent majority requires great leadership before they are galvanized and organized to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.

    So far no person has step forward to offer such leadership. Some from the PR side are trying but they do not invoke enough confidence in the silent majority that they can rise above politics, much like that of those they oppose.

  1. says:

    5. Unknown Dear Vijay

    Thanks for a very insightful and detailed comment. I do appreciate the time and effort that you put in to share your thoughts with us.

    For too long, meritocracy has been outlawed and handouts have become the norm so it is no surprise that the mentality of some has become warped and this has affected voting behavior and the political scene.

    Yes, I am well aware of the use of subliminal advertising in that company. In fact, I have put up a few posts on subliminal messages a very powerful tool indeed.

    No matter how bleak things seem to be now, there has to be a rise in a new breed of leaders; if this is missing, it is their moral responsibility to start grooming them for the next elections!

    Take care and thanks for sharing.

  1. says:

    6. Unknown Dear Romerz,

    Leadership seems to be a rare and precious quality in out country. Many claim to be leaders but simply lack the depth of character, commitment and consistency in their service/record.

    I believe if the silent majority speaks up collective, unscrupulous leaders would be more wary of what they do and say. Also, others would probably pull up their socks in order to secure support from the masses. I believe the time has come for people with character to step forward to serve...

    The current cohort on both sides of the divide are most disappointing indeed, albeit there are a few exceptions.

  1. says:

    7. Unknown I think this is the problem with political party supporters. Most people vote because such and such person because they are aligned with a certain party regardless of their credentials and whatnot.

    Now as you said the silent majority are either ignorant or apathetic (not much difference there, really) about the whole country being thrown into turmoil and disarray (read: Perak) issue. Now to me voting for my constituency's representative is something that transcends this whole issue.

    To me as long as he or she is able to serve the constituency well, I couldn't be assed to care which party they're from. Unless they're from PAS. I don't like their agendas, and this is coming from a Muslim.

    THAT SAID the reason why I didn't vote for anyone in the last GE was because I don't believe that anyone who was running for the election deserved my vote. And why go out all the way to cast a spoiled vote? Might as well stay at home and do something more proactive like cleaning my room.

    Just because we're the "silent majority" doesn't mean that we don't want to speak out, to us (or myself at least) it's just pointless. Who do we speak out to when both parties are just different sides of the same coin?

  1. says:

    8. Unknown Dear Yuecchi,

    Good morning! Thanks for sharing your sincere views and observations.

    I do agree with you that many vote according to party affiliation rather than the caliber and track record of the candidate. This MUST stop. The current spate of hopping and resignations is evidence of the folly of such voting behaviour.

    Personally, I believe there is a difference between ignorant and apathetic voters.
    a) Ignorant voters are unaware of the latest information and do not bother to find out more for personal reasons.
    b) Conversely, apathetic voters are those who KNOW and yet DO NOT DO ANYTHING about their knowledge, stance etc and choose to remain in their comfort zone.

    It is true. One MUST vote according to the quality of the candidate. I support your view. At the same time, I believe that the Opposition, if at all they are serious to establish the new regime, MUST CHOOSE THEIR CANDIDATES responsibly and not put up candidates with poor character or record or rejects/runaways from other parties - which is evident today.

    Opposition parties MUST GROOM potential leaders.

    I wonder if they have a blue print for their party.

    For e.g. have they wondered who will be the leader in 5 years time, 10 years time etc...Who will take over etc? Er..judging from current trends, it does not seem to be the case...for in some parties, leaders from both sides of the divide have been there for far too long.

    Of course there are plus and minus points for such a situation.

    But I believe the disadvantages outweigh the plus points cos it shows,at least to me, that the party lacks vision and the plan to make the party MOVE forward progressively and to engage people to vote or to join or to contribute to the party.

    In such a sterile climate - no wonder many are silent!

    Indeed, it is very depressing to see how both sides of the political divide share similar weaknesses. Worse still is how the Opposition front is disintegrating day by day! It does not augur well for us as a nation.

    The more we speak up and tell them in no uncertain terms that we will suffer no nonsense, I hope the more they will realize their heavy responsibilities and deliver what they are supposed to deliver so that we can rightly address them as Yang Berhormat.

    Otherwise, whatever title bestowed is nothing but a shell or a farce.

    I believe the bottom line is Malaysians have to be involved, engaged and to participate in watchdog organizations or to set up watchdog organizations so that the guilty ones KNOW that we ARE keeping a tab on them...

    Sounds a bit idealistic...but as always, I am a dreamer...and in my dreams, may hope grow in our hearts and may there be truly - a better Malaysia.

    Have a great day and thanks for swinging by.

    Peace be unto you,
    mws

  1. says:

    9. bakarmerah Greetings auntie!

    You stir me up from my apathetic slumber and you want me to have a pleasant evening?

    Ummm. . .that's the answer I guess.

    Believe it or not, and this is only my opinion, I think: whatever that has happened is still not enough to stir the people to stand up and scream "bloody hell, we gonna take to the streets and show our people power".

    You heard me: not enough. Look, we stand to lose billions in the PKFZ, the AG reported billions spent unnecessarily. No protests. Well, not loud enough or visible anyway.

    What gives?

    Me thinks. 2 reasons. 1. It has not affected me (yet). "Me" being the laid-back silent majority. 2. We (the second and insignificant wave of pendatang non-Malays anyway) are not like the Thais or Filipinos - not that hot blooded.

    IF you want to see some hot-blooded action, try to take away all the affirmative action quotas - but that will be counter to UMnoh's strategies, so:

    What the Gomen should do (but won't I think)is to destroy/ban all the vernacular schools. Or force every non-Malay to embrace Islam. Or force every non-Malay out of their tanah since they are the Tuan. Or increase income tax.

    Now, that should, for a start, get the people going!

    Look, even the cow head incident has shown how cowed we all are. Just keep quiet and hope it goes away, no more 05-13 please.

    Not enough "injustice" (30% of second class citizens have been swallowing the NEP for decades, what's another decade or two?). Not enough "everybody's affected" incidents.

    So, they can still push the envelope. And us just playing along.

    Everybody is hoping somebody will do some thing.

    All I pray is that every body will remember all that has happened until that day when their X will determine if they still want more of the same or a significant change for a better nation.

    BTW I think what will be played out will be the UMNOputras (super rich)fighting with the BUMIputras (middle class + poor) with the PASputras (super religious). Yeah 3-cornered fight.

    But don't hold your breath. This will take another 50 years.

    In conclusion: Oi, siow ah? It's lum pah pak lan time now lah, can't you see? Read up your Sun Tzu. It dah not time to rise up yet. Let them fight themselves, then we shall pick up the pieces later.

    Ah, now I feel much better. You have a pleasant week.

    PS More demagogy afoot. Check out www.transformation.gov.my

    Sure will make you feel good (hey pretend to feel good anyway lah).

  1. says:

    10. bakarmerah AND here is other reason why the non-malays are not yet worried:

    http://steadyaku-steadyaku-husseinhamid.blogspot.com/2009/10/malays-to-remain-stupid-government.html

    You see, still can sleep at night.

  1. says:

    11. Unknown Greetings Uncle (rofl!!!)

    You are in a jolly good mood today and may I start by saying that I simply LOVE your wicked humor and insightful perspective of issues. Thanks! You made my day!

    You hit the nail on the head many times!!! I did subtly try to drive home the point here - all these actions take away money from our pockets and weakens our ringgit!...I fully agree with you. Basically, many are not bothered cos they feel it does not affect them directly.

    I wish I was a financial expert to compute the effects of what we lost in PKFZ, the AG's report , inefficiency etc in dollars and cents...and to show the rakyat its impact on:
    a) our currency
    b) our standard/cost of living
    c) purchasing power
    d) economic growth or lack of it
    e) impact on the quality of public/social and merit goods
    f) effect on international competitiveness and investment
    etc...

    Yes!!! We are too docile! Too Asian! Standing too much on ceremony, too accomodating and too forgiving...too forgetful and too compliant...too fearful.

    Sighs.

    I agree with you re the educational institution. If there is one social instrument that can be used to breed unity - it is schools and edu institutions. To digress, we have also seen how ONE MAN and his malevolent plan - destroyed the nation by undermining the quality of education in our country so that many 'graduate' as servile citizens, ready to obey...sighs.

    Aiyo, Pug...I don't have another 50 years to live. Don't even know if I have another 15 years for that matter. I truly hope that change will happen within my lifetime...

    The impending implosion that you mentioned is scary. We can never foretell what might happen in such a potently powerful cathartic reaction...

    Thanks for the link!!

    Most of all, thanks for your very passionate and sincere comment. Take care and keep in touch.

    Btw, I have difficulties leaving my comments in your blog...Prob due to cookies in my browser. Will try again.

    Have a lovely weekend!

  1. says:

    12. bakarmerah God bless you paul lah.

    You can leave comments on my other blog:

    bakarmerah.wordpress.com

    and i've also linked you to my e-mail so we can ummm. . . try to do what we can towards building a ahem greater Malay sia.

    I really like your "seriousness" and you really do understand my err...warped thinking.

    So, really, let us just do what we can.

    To me, I think what really, really needs to be done is to have a really, really true champion of the kampung to lead the poor rural Tuan Tanah to fight the other Tuan Tanah. How this can be done will take time - like another 50+ years - not for you to see la aunty.

    The reality is, we will continue to wobble along in our own merry way.

    Conclusion: Self interest! You and I know (and the 3 major ethnic groups) already know what needs to be done but because of self interest (and power - economic and POWER power) they make sure it WON'T be done.

    The loser is the majority of rural Tuan Tanah. Yeah, keep them stupiak, the elite shall rule. Just another substitute colonial master.

    Yeah, ban condoms, increase HIV. Do not teach them English, keep them un-informed. Keep them in their kampung. These are just some of the fun things you can do to stay in power.

    As for the other "threat", the non-Malays, ahhh. . . what threat?

  1. says:

    13. Unknown God bless you too Ah Park (Cantonese intonation) :-)

    LOL!!! Uncle Pug is in his element bullying Paul lah :-) ...No sweat...cos Auntie here is cool one haha..although too serious at times.

    Indeed, we and other like-minded Malaysians have to brainstorm and strategize...But please - we cannot wait another 50 years!!! Auntie hopes to see it in the next 5-10 years!!!!

    Do keep in touch ...I have left my comment in your blog and you have my email address.

    Thanks for your candid comments. Have a great weekend!

    Peace be to you and yours.

  1. says:

    14. Unknown "I believe the bottom line is Malaysians have to be involved, engaged and to participate in watchdog organizations or to set up watchdog organizations so that the guilty ones KNOW that we ARE keeping a tab on them..."

    Like the MACC? ;)

  1. says:

    15. Unknown Dear Yuecchi,

    :-) If the cap fits, they have to wear it...er even if their heads are far too big!!! LOL

    Take care and do keep in touch.

    Peace be unto you and yours,
    mws

  1. says:

    16. Anonymous if all of us only write and write...then what's the point?

    where are the ACTIVISTS?? people must SHOW UP to show support.

    latest perak dun fiasco...pakatan aduns are left to fend for themselves.

    perakians should turn up by the tens of thousands... or HUNDREDS of thousands...then the police dogs will behave themselves.

    4RAKYAT

  1. says:

    17. Unknown Dear Anonymous

    Well spoken, indeed, by a true Malaysian.

    We cannot merely hide between the pc screen to write or to comment. We cannot just indulge in kopi tiam discussions. We have to show up. I have and I will continue to do so with decorum and without breaking any law.

    Many do not realize that there is strength in numbers. I fully support your view as expressed in your last paragraph:

    perakians should turn up by the tens of thousands... or HUNDREDS of thousands...

    Many do not realize that if they do so, what can they do? The other side would be outnumbered and they would have to step back and realize that people power IS powerful. Can they bundle tens of thousands into vans and other four-wheelers?

    Alas, reality sets in. Fear fills many hearts and many choose to stay at home for reasons known to them..

    I hope that every one of us will rise to the occasion and show support when it is needed.

    Thanks, Anonymous @ 2.30p.m.

  1. says:

    18. bakarmerah dear all,

    Recklessly but realistically, i think it's not big enough an issue to get any bodies' panties in twists and knots yet.

    It is not directly affecting any body. I stress "directly".

    What you need is a juicy in your face issue.

    Hmmm. . .let's say, every body must now renounce their respective religion and embrace Islam?

    Or. . .no more vernacular schools? No more learning of mother tongues?

    Now, do you feel slightly upset? A little motivated to go out and march for your rights?

    If the second class citizens can swallow a 5% discount on property ownership just cos of the first class kulit-fication, among many injustices and inequalities... hey, let's pretend to be quiet for now. . .fight when it really, really matters.

  1. says:

    19. Anonymous dear masterwordsmith

    i'm just suggesting we make our presence known.

    all of us have to cari makan too. and in malaysia no sane soul wld like to have anything to do with the police dogs.

    but just show up. stand around. even for 10 minutes. look at them police dogs. stare at them. but be cool... then go on with your own business.

    we need BERATUS-RATUS RIBU... not a pathetic 100 or 200 in ipoh a few days ago.

    power to the people, indeed.

    4RAKYAT

  1. says:

    20. Unknown Dear Anonymous @ 10.57pm

    I agree with you fully. I am not in favor of any kind of violence whatsoever but would support a peaceful show of what is in our hearts.

    But beratus-ratus ribu - sighs...i do hope for that...Realistically, beribu-ribu would be fantastic given the passive climate of the current scenario...Still, we have to be brave, strategic and purposeful...People power matters and power is in people...if only the would find and use it!

    Thanks for caring enough to share.

    May God bless you and yours.

  1. says:

    21. Anonymous THE SILENT MAJORITY
    Keep SILENT by not expressing our discontent at the Police in street demonstrations and inviting uncalled for brutal reprisals.
    Let the Power-That-Be SEE and GAUGE our disgust with them through our COLLECTIVE ACTION .
    Fix A Day and Everybody Just WEAR BLACK.
    Can they arrest THOUSANDS of SILENT MAJORITY MALAYSIANS going about their daily tasks just by WEARING SOMETHING BLACK.

  1. says:

    22. Unknown Dear aribabak

    Thanks so much for your passionate response to the issues raised in this post. I fully support what you have said and did wear black for two weeks!

    Take care...

Related Posts with Thumbnails
.