Explore the depths of the Malaysian psyche—from idealism to cynicism—reflecting the shifting tides of the people's sentiment towards the country.
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30 Aug 2024
6 Min Read
Esther Ng Yi Ke (Guest Contributor), Nellie Chan (Editor)
Explore the depths of the Malaysian psyche—from idealism to cynicism—reflecting the shifting tides of the people's sentiment towards the country.
Cynicism, a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece around the 4th century BCE, was founded on a profound idealism. Contrary to the negative connotation we associate with cynicism today, the Cynics, led by philosophers such as Antisthenes and Diogenes of Sinope, emerged in response to the societal and moral corruption, as well as materialism, of their time. The term 'Cynic' derives from the Greek word 'kynikos', meaning 'dog-like', a term used pejoratively by their critics. However, the Cynics reclaimed this term to stress their deliberate rejection of conventional social norms. They led ascetic lives, often lived outdoors, and relied on foraging and alms. Their idealism was based on the belief that true virtue and a fulfilling life could be attained through simplicity and self-sufficiency.
Over the centuries, cynicism evolved. By the 19th century, modern cynicism involved a critical stance towards societal norms, political institutions, and economic systems. This form of cynicism is less about adherence to specific philosophical doctrines and more about a general scepticism regarding the integrity and motives of societal structures and leaders. Influenced by the Industrial Revolution and various political movements, modern cynicism challenged the societal and political status quo, questioning the effectiveness and fairness of established institutions.
This evolution of cynicism mirrors the experience of Malaysia. After gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia, like many newly independent nations, was filled with a sense of idealism. This parallels the original Cynics' idealism in two key ways: 1) Both pursued a better state of being—Cynics aspired to a simpler, more authentic life, while Malaysia aspired to achieve unity and prosperity; 2) Both aimed to transcend constraints in their respective contexts—Cynics sought to rise above excess and materialism, while Malaysia sought to rise above colonial constraints and build an independent, unified nation. However, over the decades, Malaysia faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and social disparities. These issues have contributed to a growing sense of modern cynicism among Malaysians, replacing the initial idealism with a resigned sentiment of disillusionment and distrust.
As George Carlin said, 'Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist.' This insight highlights that modern cynicism serves as a defence mechanism against deep-seated disappointment, a trend observable in Malaysia's evolving socio-political landscape. By preemptively doubting outcomes, we attempt to protect ourselves from the pain of unfulfilled promises and unmet expectations. While this self-preservation tactic can help us cope with the emotional toll of repeated letdowns, it comes at a steep cost—our capacity for hope.
Cynicism thus becomes a pervasive undercurrent in our everyday lives, affecting how we interpret and interact with the world around us. For example, we often obsess over negative narratives and dismiss positive ones, particularly in the realm of politics. Instead of considering alternative perspectives or scrutinising media biases, we accept these partial portrayals at face value, reinforcing our cynical worldview. The true insidious nature of cynicism lies in its extension beyond individual attitudes and into our collective ethos. When cynicism takes root, distrust of others and disbelief in the potential for positive change grow within us. Without faith in change, we are less likely to work towards it. Rather than participating in elections, advocating for our nation, or working collaboratively to address societal issues, we may descend into a cycle of criticism and complaint, which only perpetuates the very problems we seek to resolve.
We Malaysians have a penchant for critiquing and complaining about our country. Take the recent Olympics as an example. We rallied behind our national athletes, elevating them to the status of national heroes. Yet, when their performances fell short of our expectations, we quickly turned to harsh criticism. Similarly, when comparing ourselves to other nations, we often default to complaining rather than actively seeking solutions. While these expressions of discontent might seem minor, they have significant and detrimental effects:
Continuous criticism and complaints can erode national morale. When we focus primarily on what is wrong, it creates a constant climate of negativity, threatening our collective ethos and compromising our sense of pride. This persistent negativity can lead to a decline in patriotism and foster a sense of hopelessness about the country's future.
In a nation where criticism and complaints dominate, a toxic culture can develop at a societal level. This can manifest as widespread distrust, increased polarisation, and weakened social cohesion. Such a culture can hinder efforts to unite people around common goals and obstruct the effective resolution of national challenges.
Excessive criticism, when not accompanied by constructive dialogue or action, can lead to national stagnation. Both the people and the leaders may become so absorbed in identifying problems that they neglect to take necessary steps towards solutions. This inaction can prevent progress and exacerbate existing issues, making them increasingly difficult to resolve over time.
Photo credits: Mingguan Wanita
A common expression of our criticism and complaint is the phrase, 'Malaysia Boleh'. Originally coined in the 1990s as a symbol of national pride and progress, the phrase—which translates to 'Malaysia Can' or 'Malaysia Is Able' in Malay—has since adopted a sarcastic tone. Once a standard of our national aspiration, it is now frequently used to mock government officials, deride poor drivers, or point out other societal shortcomings. This shift reflects how cynicism has undermined the idealism behind the phrase, transforming it from an emblem of hope into one of doubt.
So, where does that leave Malaysia? Is our future condemned to the death of hope and a descent into despair? Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even for the most hardened cynic. Cynicism, though it may seem deeply entrenched, is not an inherent trait—it is a learned response to the disillusionment and distrust we have accumulated over time. But just as it was learned, it can be unlearned, allowing us to reclaim, if not pure idealism, then at least the original Cynics' pursuit of virtue and authenticity.
Reclaiming this idealism requires us to embrace our nation in all its complexities. This means acknowledging both our successes and our challenges, appreciating what we have achieved while addressing what still needs to be accomplished. Genuine patriotism is not about blind loyalty; it is about a thoughtful and purposeful engagement with our nation's realities—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Idealism, therefore, guides us to use our insights into the nation's issues, gained from cynicism, to create a balanced perspective—one that empowers us to act not out of mere criticism or complaint, but out of a renewed sense of hope.
At the crossroads between cynicism and idealism, how we navigate this path will determine our collective future. Will we allow cynicism to cast a long shadow over our aspirations, or will we step into the light of idealism, committed to embodying the hope we once held for Malaysia? The road is ours to choose, and in that choice lies the possibility of moving towards a brighter, more united future—one that honours both where we have been and where we have the potential to go.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan dan Hari Malaysia!
Esther Ng Yi Ke pursued a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) at Taylor's University before transferring to the University of Bristol. She combines her passion for advocacy with her love for writing to craft impactful narratives that inspire change and promote inclusivity within society.
