Lam: political consciousness the first step

Agnes Lam Iok Fong, a teacher of media studies, thought that both the voter's registration rate and turnout rate of UMac students were comparable to the rates of the overall Macao citizens. Lam said the university students seemed to have a stronger sense of participation in the election. 

When students seemed less ready to discuss politics with teachers, Lam said she had tried to bring up the subject with her students and encouraged them to talk. However, she admitted that not much time was devoted to serious discussion and students did not seem to be interested in such topics. 

Concerning the political atmosphere in Macao, Lam thought that students as well as the general public seem to have a sense of helplessness in dealing with politics, such feeling is well demonstrated in their survey answer "nothing can be changed even though we have participated." Lam said this could reflect that the government has not given enough attention to public opinion. 

Despite the high turnout rate, Lam was not surprised to see the poor results the students scored over the legislature information. Lam thought that going to the polls only showed students' basic concern for the election. To develop a better understanding of the political system and knowledge, students need more time and effort.

Lam believed that students' initiative to enhance their political consciousness is definitely necessary if any improvement can be made. She said that UMac students' knowledge about Macao is an absolute advantage over university students from other places. And they should make good use of it. 

Lam suggested that students could start practicing political activism by participating in various associations' activities in the university, although she thought these associations are still too weak in mobilizing students. Nevertheless, she concluded that students' political consciousness should come as the first step.