Why the CPI Website Is Important to Young Minds Like Us
By John Lee and Wan Fadzrul Wan Bahrum, YouthSpeak Coordinators
Thoughts to be shared at the CPI Website Launch
September 8, 2008 at 2.30pm
at KLSCAH Auditorium, Kuala Lumpur.
With the changing political atmosphere in the country exciting Malaysians of all races and ages, the youth are fast becoming determinants of political success. We literally are the future of this country, but that means we are also the future of this country's politics and government. Ultimately, we will be responsible in some way for shaping Malaysia, whether through something as simple as casting our votes, or something as lofty as taking office as Prime Minister.
But if we want to exercise our responsibilities as citizens wisely, we have no choice but to inform ourselves about the issues of the day. It is ridiculous to expect ourselves to vote blindly; we might as well not vote at all. It is almost just as foolish to vote based on the empty rhetoric of politicians. Politicians are far more skilled at twisting emotions and swaying hearts than they are at informing the people and dealing in facts and figures. As boring as the plain facts may be, they are crucial. You would not steer a ship just because you feel you know how to go; you would demand charts and insist on plotting a course.
That is why the CPI's various efforts, most especially the website, are commendable resources for youth who seek to get involved in the future of our country. As a policy think tank, CPI does not deal in the hazy rhetoric of politicians, or the emotional fury of activists. It coolly and calmly dissects the effect of government policies on the future of our country, and examines proposed alternatives in the same light.
More importantly, CPI separates the wheat from the chaff; the power of the internet as a medium is clear to us all, but we worry about distinguishing fact from fiction. The commentaries published on the website are backed by a real organisation, which will suffer real consequences if it does not act responsibly. If you see a blog post carried on the website, you know it not only has relevance to the facts of politics and governance, but you also know it can be relied on.
Today is an exciting time to be a Malaysian. But it is even more exciting to be a young Malaysian. For the first time in a long while, the opportunities that stretch before us, in our future, the opportunities to change the fate of our nation, to make things in this country right, are innumerable. The generation that leads us today has kicked the door open; it is our job to guide our country through that door. I am very pleased to welcome CPI to that roster of civil society organisations which will help us in our responsibility.
____________ DEAR READERS: ALL ARE WELCOME TO THE CPI WEBSITE LAUNCH:) ____________
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