The desire to change a government that has been in power for so long is like eventually getting tired of eating a good nasi lemak every day, says Centre of Public Policy Studies (CPPS) chairperson Ramon Navaratnam.

In his opening speech at a CPPS conference for youth leaders held at the Parliament building, Ramon used this analogy to illustrate how more Malaysians are leaving the country or calling for changes in the current administration system and public policies.

"We (Malaysia) are the only country that has had the same (federal) government for so long (since independence).

"It is like eating the same good nasi lemak every day... But after a while you will get tired. You can change the recipe, but sometimes you want something else, maybe char koay teow or other things," Ramon told the participants comprising fellows from the Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Ramon further reminded them that the only constraint to preventing a government from sliding into a dictatorship are the citizens, as every government is in the business of staying in power.

"But if people are suppressed, oppressed and fearful, anyone can continue to lead for almost forever," he said in urging youths to hold politicians in power accountable for policies that have been implemented.

Ramon highlighted various policies that he said had contributed to the problem of brain drain among the youths.

He attributed the situation to the "state capture" of public institutions, as a tool to remain in power.

"When you have any government in the world wanting to control the press, judicial system, public institutions...You'll get a situation where youths will be reluctant to come back," Ramon said.

Responding to a participant who questioned what his generation of leaders had done to address brain drain, Ramon said: "Since you have named me as a villain, I will answer. The problem is not in me, you, him or her. The problem is us."

"Why do people tolerate these kinds of politicians?

"Despite the abuse (of power) they still get voted. People who are religious bigots, racists, corrupt. Money politics is the root of all evil. Why did we tolerate this?" he asked, and went on to point out that exercising the right to vote is one way to reject such leaders.

Social injustice led to public protests

Met by reporters later, Ramon said social injustice contributed to the people's unhappiness, which then led to participation in public protests against the current government.

"Protesting is not a jolly affair. That (injustice) is why people demonstrate... they are unhappy.

"The government should give them what is due, good, rational and reasonable," he said when asked for comment on the role of youths in organising the Aug 27 #TangkapMalaysianOfficial1 rally in Kuala Lumpur.

"They are not asking for a taxi to go to the moon or the sun. They are asking for basic things.

"We must be fair to the people. I am an old man, so I can say this. He can be angry if he wants to," said Ramon without mentioning any names.

Also present at today's third CPPS roundtable discussion, themed "Challenge to retain talent in Malaysia", was CPPS senior director Ng Yeen Seen.

Other presenters throughout the day-long event included MCA Youth Young Professionals and University Students Bureau chairperson Eric Choo and youth group Challenger founder Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman.