Apply same standards to all

IT is fascinating to discuss the logic of some of us nowadays, especially when our arguments are not based on facts but about shifting the blame, and about showing just how equally bad (or worse) the acts of the other side are to justify our bad acts.

This is akin to “whataboutism” — an act of shifting away attention from a conversation of our bad acts, simply by raising the bad acts of the other side. We level charges against others just because we want to shield ourselves from criticism.

It is easy to apply whataboutism. For example, when people who fail to adhere to the standard operating procedures for wedding ceremonies and were punished for it, we simply dodge this and protest about those wedding ceremonies which involve celebrities and VIPs, instead.

When talking about politicians from a political faction who are grappling with scandals and court cases or who simply switched their political affiliation, we put a cover on their alleged misdeeds by airing the misconduct of politicians from other political blocs. We blast them for doing the same thing.

All of these acts are equally wrong. We can still condemn but to dismiss one just because other people are also doing it, is not right. We are missing the point. The act of whataboutism invalidates the need to follow the SOP in this pandemic era.

It discredits duly elected politicians who serve with integrity and accountability, crushing any hope of a better Malaysia in future. Even worse, whataboutism eliminates the need for any standards or principles that we should live up to and enforce, making all of us not striving to do better.

We can play this game of whataboutism all day if we want. But, what does it solve? Nothing. It is better to look for solutions to avoid future misconducts.

The solution is to ensure people follow the SOP, regardless of who they are, their social status, or location for instance, or the way to ensure that politicians responsibly serve with honesty as the people’s representatives and do not simply jump ship.

So, stop playing the game of pointing fingers at others whose wrongdoing is said to be even worse. That will not solve anything.

For those who are involved in misconducts and shield themselves with the whataboutism approach, it is probably time for a serious reflection. Better to admit, apologise and vow to do better, be better and follow all the rules.

And as for the rest of us, remember that two wrongs do not make a right. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard and seek for solutions, not endless arguments of always blaming others.

In summary, we should avoid whataboutism. Perhaps, the right way is to ensure everyone observes the same standards. Only with standards the changes can take place.

MOHAMAD SYAFIQ YA SHAK Universiti Teknologi MARA Perak