Empowering young to expand economy

THE NAZMI STORY: His generation of talent could 'liberate' us

  THE Portuguese wounded our pride 501 years ago. By occupying Malacca, they   also bequeathed us evidence of past geopolitical fortifications and intent that could potentially produce a million more photos and mementos.

Last Sunday, a 17-year-old boy left for the Iberian peninsula in a quest to be a footballing star.

Nazmi Faiz Mansor's discovery by a mid-table side in Portugal's Primeira Liga -- via YouTube -- has been one stupendous story on four counts.

Firstly, the Internet has been at times the scene of some deadeningly mindless political comments, threatening to terrorise the very reasons K-economy was conceived. Remember?

Secondly, sports is growing into a mega business, energised by the exuberance of the young. As elders dream about an assortment of business ideas, many young Malaysians have actually done something about it -- if there is money in sports, they will be right in there, producing results, events, sportswear, videos, venues and whole cultures.

Thirdly, the ideal physical specimen in sports has obviously changed. Lionel Messi and Nizam are instinctively nimble athletes, who get things done with minimal fuss and considerable flair.

This reporter, overjoyed by news of Nazmi's quest for European success, requested a younger colleague -- football mad -- to present himself at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sunday night, as the EPL season was heading to a crescendo, to get a quote and a picture of the young talent.

It may prove historic. Here's a local hero we can text to, or speak to, and share our footballing ideals and outlandish theories with.

We have long been mired in English football. Liverpool's former manager Kenny Dalglish would not listen to your desperate appeals not to field that boy, Spearing, who could probably sparkle in teams not built on a fluid passing game.

Nazmi and his generation of talents could liberate us from one big marketing success, which is what EPL is all about, and from the somewhat racist slant of some of the co-commentators.

One should enjoy great football but to be losing our temper and composure over the results and to be wanting to behave exactly like their local fans -- singing their depressing theme songs -- is not very original.

Ultimately, the Nazmi Story has been particularly refreshing because it coincided with another round of political melee sparked by the Bersih rally.

Funny, this. Politics is waged by mostly grown-ups for the benefit of mainly the young. Why so?

The biggest beneficiaries of great policies arising from less fractious politics shall be the average Malaysian family. And heads of all families are preoccupied with the future of their kids.

Fathers are extending their working life, not exactly to flee those indictments dished out daily by the wives whom they love dearly and are lifelong companions certainly, but to continue to be productive.

Never mind about the trigger. Indeed, parents are paying for their kids' education, business start-ups, weddings and housing downpayments -- some 25 years or so after taking that Bank Rakyat loan to finance their own wedding.

There is an exciting option -- show enough faith in the ability of the young to be themselves and pay for their weddings as we travel the world and not be impossible and annoying conversationalists on politics at home.

By taking ownership of their lives, the young shall shape the conduct of politics more. They shall take politics out of the racial mode. They shall produce great parliamentarians and policy makers and not repeat that tired one-line thinking.

The next stage of electoral reform shall be thought through by the young, compatible with their times. At some point, the now-young Malaysians may even decide to vote online. For now, let's hope Nazmi secures the contract, so that we could have a replica jersey emblazoned with the name of a local talent, not of some Scouser.

The young probably will do better without overzealous coaching and choreographing by adults.

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