Tyranny of the majority

There are lessons to be learnt from The Chronicles of Narnia by Professor CS Lewis

 

THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE of government exists to ensure that society functions efficiently and that people can continue to live in peace and harmony with one another.

        One of the most tragic flaws in our society today is the failure of government leaders—whether politicians or civil servants—to take decisive action against bullies.

Flawed Argument

        In a distorted interpretation of “democracy,” we often hear the phrase, “the majority wins.” But true democracy cannot allow the majority to oppress or silence the minority.

        When a bullying culture is allowed to take root, it inevitably breeds widespread unhappiness. Bullies—who have no place in a civilised society—often gain power by riding on the support of a passive majority that prioritises self-preservation over justice. In doing so, they enable the bullies to dominate unchecked.

        In such an unhealthy environment, meaningful dialogue becomes impossible. Look around you: isn’t it true that most people simply follow the herd, rather than think independently or question what’s being presented to them? 

End Bullying Culture

        The bullies dictate terms according to their whims, hiding behind the flawed argument that their majority entitles them to absolute control.

        Take, for example, the situation in a residential neighbourhood where a Residents’ Association claims majority support. They implemented a security scheme where non-paying residents had to get down from their cars to open the barricade themselves, disregarding that this is only a "guarded" community.

       In the past, the local council, instead of intervening, adopted a hands-off approach—failing even to verify the authenticity of the signatures that allegedly supported a particular decision. Ironically, a few individuals within the Residents Association committee—who themselves represented an even smaller minority—took matters into their own hands, acting beyond their rightful authority.

        Recently, however, I was informed that the local authority had finally taken action against certain illegal building structures—a positive development. It appears that under the leadership of a new Council president, the rights of the minority are beginning to be acknowledged and protected.

        During my time writing for The Malay Mail, I was informed by a key figure in a major consumer association that many of the signatures collected for a public campaign were, in fact, forged.

        There is, therefore, no justifiable reason for a local council—acting as a neutral middleman—to accept, without question, claims made by a Residents Association that it has the support of the majority. 

        In my own housing area, for instance, from the grapevine, it appears that the collection of security fees tells a different story; it does not reflect the so-called “majority” support that is so often claimed. I can only verify the "hearsay" if I can lay my hands on the accounts, especially the official bank statements and receipts.

        In the said issue, the ongoing issue within that housing estate has dragged on for years, largely due to the local council’s unwillingness to act. Hiding behind the excuse of “non-interference,” they suggest that residents resolve matters themselves—as neighbours.

        While this may sound like a reasonable position, the reality is that it enables the tyranny of the majority to dominate the minority. Such an attitude is unacceptable. Local authorities are entrusted with the responsibility to uphold justice and enforce the law—not to stand idly by.

Kingdom of Narnia vs Reign of Tarkaan

Authorities Exist for a Reason

        Their duty is to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of numbers. After all, under the Federal Constitution, every citizen is guaranteed equal rights.

       The same principle applies to other government agencies, such as the Commissioner of Buildings (COB), where many decisions made by the arbiters often seem anything but helpful to the aggrieved party. 

        The aggrieved parties are then told that they can still appeal to the Tribunal. But this raises an important question: why have arbiters in the first place if they do not even appear to be impartial or stand on neutral ground?  

        As a result, the culture of bullying continues to thrive—whether in Residents Associations, Parent-Teacher Associations, Joint Management Committees, or Management Committees. 

        Can Malaysians afford to let Aslan from the kingdom of Narnia be put to death, and allow the crooks from Calormen, of the despotic and warlike Tarkaan to reign? Where are our Pevensie children-turned-warriors -- Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy?

 (Note: I may rewrite this after developing my thoughts further)