50th Post!
Raising political issues within my blog has never been what I would like to do. However, as a Malaysian, it would be apt for me to pen in my thoughts as Hari Merdeka dawns upon us.
The 51st Hari Merdeka marks a new low in Malaysia's history as the country celebrates Hari Merdeka with gloom. Never before has the country been so devoid of National Day enthusiasm. The lack of fireworks on the eve of Merdeka isn't the issue of contention; but rather, I would like to question to meaning of Merdeka.
Many have questioned the lack of support in flying the Jalur Gemilang as a sign of patriotism and love to the country. That question could have answered itself.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolizes Malaysia as a sovereign state and each and everyone of us. Each of us own a piece of that cloth and what it symbolizes. But for the past 50 years, have we been given an equal portion of that cloth?
No, it is not about the marginalised Malays, Chinese, Indians or other races.
It is about marginalised anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia.
True Merdeka runs beyond the mere, blind displays of patriotism. After 51 years of nation building, so-called national unity and social (dis)integration, what do we have?
While Singapore has celebrated the Singapore Spirit for a whole month, with newspaper reports showing complete focus on the celebrations, where has the Merdeka spirit gone to? Newspaper reports in Malaysia has been marred with Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy case, blogs flying the Malaysian flag upside down, the Bar Council controversy, an extremely racist teacher and various other headlines which are supposed to make way for the Merdeka celebrations.
The composite image of divide and conquer rule by the British colonial masters still stays and remains deeply rooted in the seemingly hardwired mind of the ruling class. Times have changed; as globalization becomes more obvious and imminent, national unity must be present in every single person in order to fight global threats such as rising price of commodities. Racial politics must be left in the dust as it is no longer relevant in the pursuit of the equality of all peoples.
One must question, as Merdeka also encompasses the unity of all Malaysians, how have we fostered national unity when the government promotes the institutionalisation of racism through the promotion of racialised policies and politics? How have we maintained a democratic way of life when our social, educational and economical structures do not promote such values?
Why the championing of Ketuanan Melayu by deaf politicians when Merdeka celebrates the fight for independence of Malaysia by all races? One has to keep in mind that the early Merdeka movement consisted of truly nationalistic Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Sikhs. They fought for a homeland that promised progress and harmony, racial tolerance and a robust economy. Have we then broken these promises?
The only way in which Merdeka can be truly celebrated is via the replacement of human beings running the education system, so as to allow fundamental changes in our school of thought. And that would also require the replacement of human beings running the political system, replacing the corrupt, repressive policies such as the Internal Security Act and white elephant projects and government contracts.
As for the meaning of Merdeka, its true meaning can only be attained as we finally catch up with the 21st century and abolish the illegitimate policies that have been the instruments of instilling fear and disunity in the peoples of Malaysia.
In the light of the current situation, this Merdeka, hopefully would re-ignite hope towards our quest for a Malaysian Malaysia.
Raising political issues within my blog has never been what I would like to do. However, as a Malaysian, it would be apt for me to pen in my thoughts as Hari Merdeka dawns upon us.
The 51st Hari Merdeka marks a new low in Malaysia's history as the country celebrates Hari Merdeka with gloom. Never before has the country been so devoid of National Day enthusiasm. The lack of fireworks on the eve of Merdeka isn't the issue of contention; but rather, I would like to question to meaning of Merdeka.
Many have questioned the lack of support in flying the Jalur Gemilang as a sign of patriotism and love to the country. That question could have answered itself.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolizes Malaysia as a sovereign state and each and everyone of us. Each of us own a piece of that cloth and what it symbolizes. But for the past 50 years, have we been given an equal portion of that cloth?
No, it is not about the marginalised Malays, Chinese, Indians or other races.
It is about marginalised anak-anak Bangsa Malaysia.
True Merdeka runs beyond the mere, blind displays of patriotism. After 51 years of nation building, so-called national unity and social (dis)integration, what do we have?
While Singapore has celebrated the Singapore Spirit for a whole month, with newspaper reports showing complete focus on the celebrations, where has the Merdeka spirit gone to? Newspaper reports in Malaysia has been marred with Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy case, blogs flying the Malaysian flag upside down, the Bar Council controversy, an extremely racist teacher and various other headlines which are supposed to make way for the Merdeka celebrations.
The composite image of divide and conquer rule by the British colonial masters still stays and remains deeply rooted in the seemingly hardwired mind of the ruling class. Times have changed; as globalization becomes more obvious and imminent, national unity must be present in every single person in order to fight global threats such as rising price of commodities. Racial politics must be left in the dust as it is no longer relevant in the pursuit of the equality of all peoples.
One must question, as Merdeka also encompasses the unity of all Malaysians, how have we fostered national unity when the government promotes the institutionalisation of racism through the promotion of racialised policies and politics? How have we maintained a democratic way of life when our social, educational and economical structures do not promote such values?
Why the championing of Ketuanan Melayu by deaf politicians when Merdeka celebrates the fight for independence of Malaysia by all races? One has to keep in mind that the early Merdeka movement consisted of truly nationalistic Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Sikhs. They fought for a homeland that promised progress and harmony, racial tolerance and a robust economy. Have we then broken these promises?
The only way in which Merdeka can be truly celebrated is via the replacement of human beings running the education system, so as to allow fundamental changes in our school of thought. And that would also require the replacement of human beings running the political system, replacing the corrupt, repressive policies such as the Internal Security Act and white elephant projects and government contracts.
As for the meaning of Merdeka, its true meaning can only be attained as we finally catch up with the 21st century and abolish the illegitimate policies that have been the instruments of instilling fear and disunity in the peoples of Malaysia.
In the light of the current situation, this Merdeka, hopefully would re-ignite hope towards our quest for a Malaysian Malaysia.
