RECENTLY, the topic of happiness came about during a catch-up session with a friend. I chimed in that unless you are working for vaccine makers, happiness is hard to come by amid the pandemic, economic slowdown, and the emergence of yet another Covid-19 variant – Omicron.
The friend, who chose to make the United States his home, said in the past two years, happiness has been missing across the board. The pandemic didn’t just cost lives, but also made the poor poorer and brought mental health issues to the forefront.
It is the same here. Pandemic mismanagement has led to rising living costs, isolation, poor healthcare, stagnant wages, and a depressive outlook in general.
The United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2021, themed “Life under Covid-19”, ranked Malaysia 81st out of the 149 countries surveyed. Finland topped the index.
Governments around the world should use this world happiness index as a guide in trying to do their job to the best of their abilities.
Putting aside political leanings, a government must ensure that the people it serves are generally happy – or have a roadmap towards this end. In most countries, non-performing politicians are often shown the door sooner or later.
The private sector should take a cue from this as well, by ensuring that they advocate happiness at work.
The basic indicators revolved around 14 core categories – business and economy; citizen engagement; communications and technology; diversity (social issues); education and families; emotions (well-being); environment and energy; food and shelter; government and politics; law and order (safety); health; religion and ethics; transportation; and work.
Instead of wandering around in an increasingly “zombie-like” state, we should stop and ponder about how we can make happiness a sustainable endeavour.
Renowned economist Prof Jeffrey Sachs, who has made several visits to Malaysia, was among those involved in the happiness report.
Sachs was quoted as saying he is unsure if the world is happier now, but that countries are now more focused on happiness and well-being.
In this context, I must give credit to think tank Penang Institute for coming out with its Happiness in Penang Index, where its researchers found that 76.5% of the 3,011 residents it surveyed were identified to be happy (content).
The survey noted 79.1% of respondents are happy with their economic well-being; 76.1% are pleased with the environment sustainability; and 79.3% like the liveability and social well-being of their state.
Although only 3,011 individuals were polled, its effort is commendable.
The index covered four domains – freedom and governance; economic well-being; environmental sustainability; and liveability and social well-being.
I hope our readers will also be inspired to apply the happiness index to their lives.
There is enough negativity these days. Let’s aim for a change – to be happier, grateful, and optimistic – with the new year less than a month away. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
Ian McIntyre is the northern region bureau head of The Vibes
