I'm 20 years old, and I miss home a lot. Maybe it's because I'm young, or maybe naive, or maybe it's because I have yet to live a full life, but there is one thing I am sure of — Malaysia is a great place to live, but it could be a lot better.

Every day, I hear the education minister talk about the language issue, smart schools and the need to change the examinations model.

All this is empty talk if our schools do not even have the basics. In my former school, I was not even able to use the bathroom for fear of catching a disease. What's the use of a computer, or a proper syllabus when the conditions that students face every day are beyond tolerable?

Yes, I know I'm lucky — it could have been worse. But tell me: our taxes have to count for something other than buying high-powered fighter jets that sit on airfields and rack up maintenance costs.

I hear Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad talk about unity, freedom and justice, yet I read articles on malaysiakini about the ISA, freedom of the press and oppression.

At the same time I see Malaysians complaining, ranting about their situation — many of whom take refuge in other countries. While I don't blame them, I think if people feel passionately enough about something, or a cause, they would try to change things. Yes, all of us change things in our own small ways but how many of us just complain and do nothing?

I read about the comparison of Malaysia to Singapore, the tussle between materialism and spirituality. Yes, all countries need to achieve good growth and sustainable development to improve the quality of life for its people — and with it comes unavoidable sacrifices.

No matter how you look at it, money is made at the expense of someone else — and unless you are willing to give up your worldly goods, I find it hypocritical to say that Malaysia is doing the wrong thing in trying to emulate Singapore. We're doing the right thing because people treasure their dollar bills more than equality. We do live in a capitalistic world. And if you treasure spirituality more, what would you be willing give up to have it? Surely not your television set?

I feel that the beauty of my country resides in its youth. We're young, and we are at the right age to start changing things. If there is to be any hope for proper and notable changes in our country, it's going to be because the youth rallied for it.

But the chance is never given, or if it is, we waste it. Most 'aware' youths sit at home, write articles to the editor of online news providers, rant about the ISA, leave to study and live in another country, and complain to their friends about the political situation over coffee in a yuppie joint.

How many of us are willing to actually give up some of the wealth we so enjoy to help other people? It's easy to give some in the church, or donate a little here and there, but when it comes to the crunch, the educated sit at the sidelines, complaining, watching but not doing.

Incidentally, if you're reading this letter, you have Internet access and you're already in the top three percent of the world's population.

I respect everyone who tries to make Malaysia a better place to live in and with profound regret, I hope that soon, I too one day can find enough trust, determination and willpower in me to start really thinking about other people and fight for what's right.

Malaysia boleh? You tell me.