When Squid Game first debuted on Netflix, I was just entertained by the thrill and action it gave in its twisted sense of survival. But slowly realized that the series serves as a sharp critique of the systems we live in, especially democracy, capitalism, and human behavior. After watching all three seasons, a disturbing pattern becomes clear: even when given the chance to walk away, most players choose to stay. Why? The answer lies in a dangerous mix of desperation and greed, a mirror that Malaysia, too, can’t ignore.
Technically, the players vote. Majority rules. It looks democratic. But the outcome is nearly always the same: they stay. Not because they enjoy the deadly games, but because the outside world is just as cruel, filled with debt, broken systems, and no second chances. Still, for some players, it's not just about survival. It’s about wanting more, chasing wealth, revenge, or power, even at the cost of their morality and humanity.
This echoes the reality in Malaysia today. While we are proud of our democratic rights, casting votes, speaking up, holding rallies, the choices many Malaysians face are shaped by inequality, insecurity, and, at times, personal interest. From everyday citizens to political figures, the line between survival and self-enrichment is often blurred.
How often have we seen voters swayed not by vision or policy, but by short-term handouts or emotional politics? How often do leaders promise reform only to repeat the same cycles for personal gain? Squid Game reminds us that even in a system that looks democratic, people can still be manipulated, by fear, by poverty, and yes, by greed.
For Malaysia to grow into a more mature democracy, we need more than just ballots and elections. We need equity, in education, employment, and opportunity, and we need ethics, both from leaders and citizens. Otherwise, we're simply voting within a broken game, where the rules are written by those at the top, and everyone else is left scrambling for survival, or worse, fighting each other for a bigger cut of the prize.
If we’re watching closely, it’s telling Malaysians this: a true democracy isn’t about the freedom to choose between bad options. It’s about building a system where people don’t have to choose between their dignity and their future.
Kesennajaylan (kesenjay@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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