I think the title speaks for itself and explains the multiple causes we fight for.

When we talk of better governance, better policies, reviewing laws and about wanting to abolish those which we label draconian or even archaic, Malaysians are their own worst enemies. Mostly because some of us just cannot shut up or mind their tongues.

We now live in a Malaysia where one stupid statement can trigger even stupider statements, thus leading to politicians making perhaps the stupidest statements that can be made into a satirical book (which has been done).

But more so, the Malaysian public on social media have no problem showing their ignorance and absence of minding their tongues.

In the last week, we even saw it first-hand when someone asked the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) to ban motorcycles. It led to a even stupider statement of the threat of ‘May 16'. I’ve no idea what that threat was, because it either meant that Teacher’s Day, or the lack of cash we have to spend during the middle of the month is considered a ‘tragedy’.

Malaysians need to learn to balance their humour. We have reached a level where we have somehow condoned a tit-for-tat of stupid statements.

And these stupid statements are inflammatory, beneficial to no one, and quite frankly have to stop. On social media, to paraphrase a scene in ‘Thank You For Smoking’, you are not talking to just the person you address. You are talking to the world.

Sometimes, you just have to face the fact that Malaysians are immature to the point that they cannot even fathom the damage they do to their own causes.

The movement to abolish the Sedition Act, for example, will not go through if people cannot mind their tongues and civilly give a Facebook or Twitter comment. It gives ammunition to the groups which are against the repeal. And sadly, Malaysians either knowingly or unknowingly are doing it without a care.

At this time, I am already considering that perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps Malaysians are too dumb to understand typing stupid comments and triggering online flame wars, police reports and even the continued use of the law.

Of course, if I were to believe conspiracy theorists that are aplenty in Malaysia, these are all done by Umno cybertroopers who want to show that there is just cause for the law to be maintained.

I sincerely doubt that. We can find trolls aplenty, but these are simple of mind, everyday Malaysians who just cannot fathom the concept of minding their tongues, especially in a situation of clear anonymity as they get on social media.

Propose a way forward

We must grow up as a nation before even expecting a government to do the same. That includes the way we talk to one another in person, in forums and even online. We cannot expect a government to be more mature when we have those close to 40 thinking it is better to sound off about Jakim instead of having younger Malaysians proposing a better way forward.

Come up with suggested solutions, ideas, informed opinions.

For example, allow me to venture two thoughts.

The reason superbikes and bikes in general are in danger is because the motorcycle lanes we have in this country are crap. They have horrible lighting, they are not wide enough to ensure that all motorcycles can use them, and are primed for sabotage.

We have continually heard of this, yet the Public Works Department have yet to even discuss the need for improvement.

Similarly, if deaths in police custody is an issue, why not encourage a medical checkup before and after remand to ensure they are in good health before and after? Not only will it guarantee some form of oversight, but at the same time, it will continually prove that we need better facilities and practices in law enforcement.

Has anyone ever suggested this?

We have a glut in doctors and nurses now, so why not?

We must mature to discuss solutions while letting politicians being politicians harp on the issues with gusto enough to hold their own hot air balloon show in Putrajaya.

Since we only get leaders that reflect ourselves, it is up to us to make sure that the Malaysian public is first to mature before we demand better from the leaders we elect. In other words as a citizenry, we need to demand better by being better ourselves.

Until we wise up to this fact, we will never achieve the level of debate we are hoping for to advance our nation.

HAFIDZ BAHAROM is the former communications director of the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM).