Why I rarely write op-eds anymore

When I was in my early twenties, I was encouraged by a family friend to send op-eds to the media. I was a journalism student, and I had strong opinions. I sent my first op-ed to an online portal. It was about the financial feasibility of a “free education”. Specifically abolishing PTPTN loans and how free education came at a cost.

When it was published, and the editor informed me via e-mail, I was ecstatic. To see my name on the by-line and my thoughts laid out for the Malaysian public to see. I...