People in Malaysia, particularly those on the peninsula, celebrate Merdeka (now called National Day) on 31 August, an important event that is supposed to remind us of the day when we rid ourselves of British colonial rule and became independent.
That was over six decades years ago, and since then the people’s right to self-determination has brought about socioeconomic progress, which has improved living standards for many.
Think of the rise of urbanisation and industrialisation, the many schools, colleges and universities, clinics and hospitals, the tolled highways across the country, and the many skyscrapers and condominiums that have changed the urban landscape.
But that’s only one aspect of the bigger picture.
Unfortunately, we still see the stains of colonial rule that seem difficult to wash off. Their impact is felt in contemporary Malaysia by many ordinary people of various ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
In particular, a united nation that was dreamt of by our forefathers has not been fully attained. Some would even contend that the goal has become worryingly elusive over the years.
The policy of divide and rule pursued by the colonial British, which had been lambasted by our political leaders in the past, has taken on an indigenous form.
Elements that polarise our multi-ethnic society manifest themselves in various degrees and forms. These can be found in education, business, housing, the divisive politics of race and religion, and the unequal application of the rule of law.
Why, even in this day and age, a certain government hospital, for example, still insists on patients revealing their ethnic and religious backgrounds in their registration forms. It is as if a patient would stand a better chance of surviving from a serious illness if he or she is of a certain ethnic origin.
So the difference in ethnicity and religion becomes an important marker for some people and institutions instead of a showcase to celebrate our commonalities in diversity.
These harsh realities are nothing new for many in Malaysia. But just because they have become commonplace doesn’t mean we ought to ignore them.
If anything, not addressing this social divisiveness from time to time may a the danger of normalising it, as if it is not wrong and unjust. It strains ethnic relations.
That is why it is disturbing that certain quarters still feel that it is impractical, if not politically suicidal, if a political party whose survival depends on the support of its ethnic demographics chooses not to exploit race and religion.
Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin recently argued that making use of race and religion to gain support among certain demographics was an outdated political strategy.
He said this presumably bearing in mind that rival Perikatan Nasional employs an unwavering strategy of winning the hearts and minds of the Malay-Muslim community, much to the chagrin of many of the ethnic minorities.
But the response to his suggestion was apparently lukewarm among party members.
For Umno to take the path of PN, it would mean having to outdo the latter in the ultimate goal of winning Malay-Muslim votes. Where would this lead us to, in terms of ethnic relations and national integration?
In the interest of national harmony and progress, shouldn’t there instead be a vigorous and conscientious push for the politics of inclusivity among politicians and leaders?
Shouldn’t a people of a supposedly independent nation be united around the noble pursuit of nation-building and harmonious ethnic relations?
It is the collective expectation of folks in independent Malaysia to lead a prosperous and happy life.
While living standards have generally improved over the years, certain obstacles have held us back from achieving much more.
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For one thing, many people, especially the politicians, have been overly distracted by the politics of race and religion, instead of vital issues such as good education, productivity, meritocracy and professionalism.
The development and progress of independent Malaysia has also been impeded by the scourge of corruption. Many in Malaysia, particularly the poor and the needy, have been deprived of a better life when funds meant to bring them out of poverty and suffering have instead been siphoned off by the crafty. More well-equipped hospitals and schools could have been built for the benefit of the people if the devious had not dipped their dirty hands into the cookie jar.
That is why it is crucial for the people to unite around the mission of stamping out corruption. In this regard, freedom of expression is vital in helping to check corruption. The corrupt, irrespective of their stations in life, must face the music. To be lenient with these wrongdoers is to be morally bankrupt, and we as a people should not go down that road.
All of us in Malaysia have a role to play in building a united and progressive nation that we well deserve. – The Malaysian Insight
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
