The world has shifted a lot, and political, economic and health crisis spikes like unprecedented volcano eruption. And such calamity affects our geopolitical status, as such, also affects our country. The war in the middle east too had never seemed to be getting better. Racism, education inequality, social injustice and climate change had strike at the heart of the world. 2020 has seen a lot of them. Perhaps too much.
People are struggling. People who cannot afford the lives of safe security. But who speaks for them anymore? I had seen throughout my life that even the strongest floundered amidst all these predicaments. Do we place our hopes in our leaders? Whom, I daresay spend most of their times quarrelling for seats and places of power? Batman is right. You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain.
For that, I want to present a new initiative. Some might call this a project, but I choose to say the becoming, or making of a new ideal.
The name of the ideal is The Good Society. Why ‘Good’? Let me take you back, way back, when I first thought of doing this. The original idea is The Good Students. Back then, we have the pride and enthusiasm in believing in the unionism of students’ movements. We have these (I would not write their names here) who, once were the proud ensemble of aspiring statesmen. And all of these great leaders, historically, were once just like any of us: students. Amidst these Covid-19, and the wake of great technology and advancement of social media, we can see the mistrust of the people, especially the newer generation towards these organizations. What once were proud standing Students Movements had now become too party-based political proxies. We need a new, fresh start, especially for the new generation.
Afterwards, I came out with few initiatives to help the youth. Also, the word ‘youth’ had been used loosely. Generally speaking, I found the irony behind some claims, that the word is also used for political mileage and everyone seems to be saying that they actually represent the ‘youth’. But what youth are we talking about? The so-called ‘Mahasiswa’? What about those who cannot afford education? Who speaks for them? What about the teenagers? Do we even care about them? I daresay that these lots are more informed than the so-called Mahasiswa!
Also, Islamic. I wish not to condemn any entity. Wallahi, I have been in so many ‘Islamic Movement’ organizations. I respect their ideals and beliefs, but personally, I find lack of practice. We can all claim and say we are the most ‘Islamic’ movement of all, but who would verify that? Even great Islamic scholars would agree that there is no absolute Islamic Movement. What we need are the complementary values, that we complete one another. But did we do so? No. Because of what? Politics.
Good is a vague, subject-to-interpret kind of word. But when we say the word, we all can agree to the same definition. The universal values that bind us all together despite our differences. Politically, religiously, races and ethnics. Love. Kindness. Respect. Tolerance. Justice. End poverty. Save the planet. Etc.
Society can also vary in meaning. It can mean “the aggregate of people living together in an ordered community” and it can also mean “an organization or club formed for a particular purpose or activity” (thank you Google).
And so, I would like to quote Gandalf, a fictionalized character coming as one of the greatest works of literature of all times, the Hobbits and LOTR, from J.R.R Tolkien, “I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”
Going through different organizations, political, Islamic and not, I found such belief is true. You do not need great power or authority to mobilize an ideal. Just spark a symbol, and you are good to go. What we need are the people. How can you uphold an ideal when there are no risk-takers who are willing to do what is necessary to fight for the peace we want so badly?
I had to make myself clear: This. Is. Not. A. Hafeez-ism. Movement.
My knowledge and experiences might be one of the reasons why I believe in this ideal, but this is also what I think what the people need. I speak not for them, but trust me, I do have my sources. And these ideas which I can never suit or implant in the organizations I once trusted, I decided to put them here. Into this, Society.
Why am I so determined? I have spent my whole 4 years life here in IIUM joining various programs from different clubs and societies and never settled for one. Afterwards, I realized that being in so many different backgrounds made me a different person. I need to do more. My experiences, good and bad, have taught me that we don’t have to take things at face value and without question. We can argue back, work together and make change. I have felt what it was like to be so common and ordinary. I have felt what it was like to be powerless, no position of authority whatsoever and unfavored by the established organization. Going from grassroot to the most privileged class students, I know many agreed on this.
Hafeez Zainal, The Good Society Advocate