I happened to talk to a friend and she told me this, “What is the point of writing against the government as the ministers are not going to read what you have written”. True, ministers and government officials might not be reading it but what people have written were never meant for them but for the public.

The people in power are not innocent souls who are not aware of the mistakes that they are committing. So, all we need to do is to educate the layfolk on their undeniable rights and the basic law of this nation.

“What is the point of protesting on the streets when you see no changes? It is meaningless to fight for your rights because you can never claim what you deserve until ‘they’ are in power,” she added. Well is it true or the perception of a group of Gen Y? Is it so hard to fight or the unwillingness to lose their secured and comfort zone?

“The leader is corrupted and what is it has to do with me? It doesn’t affect me and my family as we are not depending on the government for our rice bowl.” How are we going to tackle such attitudes of certain youngsters who don’t want to crack their heads to bring about a change but will only post criticisms? Is it being selfish or ignorant or the hatred felt by the younger generation towards what has happened?

People crusaded against the injustice that have been occurring for decades and all they got was to be beaten up or imprisoned. Even the results of the previous general election could not bring substantial changes although 52 percent of the Malaysians have made up their mind to look forward to a new ruling party. This is the voice of grumbling of the younger generation who have given up fighting.

First of all, we must be very clear that changes won’t occur overnight. Revolution is the result of continuous rebellious act. It is not easy to bring a change. Mere criticism at the coffee shop and discussions on the WhatsApp group would not bring the necessary changes that we are awaiting.

Approach things differently as what you have done or doing might be fruitful for the next generation. Warriors have never tasted the feeling of independence when they fought to free the land from the clutches of colonisers. Similarly, what you are fighting for now will make a change in the future.

Remember, major changes have arisen in world countries when the people went down to the streets. So stop doubting and questioning the ability of commoners. Preach the change and be the change. Your act might be the seed of an important revolution of this land. Believe in the power of common people and believe in yourself.