The country celebrates its Independence Day today, 52 years of nationhood after centuries under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, and of the British. It's really nice to see and reflect upon; the fact that the country is made up of not only a type of people, but many different races. Another thing is that we speak more than one language and we don't have to attend classes to be able to master them. And then there's the food. Scrumptious selection of food.
Although unity is the keyword, we've had our share of racial riots and tension. And we have communal-hero-wannabe politicians playing up racial issues. When we thought we'd be known by one name, we're given designations like Malay, Indian, Chinese and Others. In neighbouring Indonesia, they have over 30 ethnics/race yet they go around by the name Indonesians.
I've said before that unity isn't a yearly affair nor is it scripted for the silver screen. No doubt, we have some true Malaysians trying to send the message home via their short films and commercials and I don't have any problems with that. In fact, I love them and almost always touched by them, moved to tears if you like. What I'm saying when I mention silver screen and scripted in the same sentence is that we have, on one hand, politicians (sigh, again) preaching unity during some ceremonies and on the other hand sow mistrust among the people. And they have the cheek to promote the country to the world. Shame. I wouldn't invite guests to my house if I haven't tidied up.
Yes, it was a proud moment for everyone when the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, proclaimed the nation's independence although I only see it in black and white clips (so I couldn't say I comprehend the whole affair fully) but are we really truly independent in the sense that we're able to self-rule and not model everything after our colonial masters? If the British employed the divide and rule strategy back then, I don't dare say we're a homogeneous society today. I don't believe that leaders of the same colour only represent their own i.e. Malay leader ensuring the rights of the Malay, the Chinese their own and the Indians too. If one is able, who cares if you're of a different hue?
Aren't there still outdated (or archaic) laws being used today? What was created yesterday for a specific purpose being used to silence the voice of dissent today. Sovereign state yes, but it seems that we're mentally shackled. Unable to make our own decisions, unable to make known what we truly wanted.
To sum it up, 52 years is a relatively long time and yet short if compared to other nations. In some ways, we can be proud of our differences but in others, it's a sad affair to see how we're still identified based on our colour and creed. The government uses the various laws to detain men and women perceived to be a threat to the nation's security / stability yet no real measures are taken to promote greater unity. Lots of speeches but no real actions. They preach tolerance but I wish to say that acceptance is the better word. No?
Happy Independence Day!
Although unity is the keyword, we've had our share of racial riots and tension. And we have communal-hero-wannabe politicians playing up racial issues. When we thought we'd be known by one name, we're given designations like Malay, Indian, Chinese and Others. In neighbouring Indonesia, they have over 30 ethnics/race yet they go around by the name Indonesians.
I've said before that unity isn't a yearly affair nor is it scripted for the silver screen. No doubt, we have some true Malaysians trying to send the message home via their short films and commercials and I don't have any problems with that. In fact, I love them and almost always touched by them, moved to tears if you like. What I'm saying when I mention silver screen and scripted in the same sentence is that we have, on one hand, politicians (sigh, again) preaching unity during some ceremonies and on the other hand sow mistrust among the people. And they have the cheek to promote the country to the world. Shame. I wouldn't invite guests to my house if I haven't tidied up.
Yes, it was a proud moment for everyone when the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, proclaimed the nation's independence although I only see it in black and white clips (so I couldn't say I comprehend the whole affair fully) but are we really truly independent in the sense that we're able to self-rule and not model everything after our colonial masters? If the British employed the divide and rule strategy back then, I don't dare say we're a homogeneous society today. I don't believe that leaders of the same colour only represent their own i.e. Malay leader ensuring the rights of the Malay, the Chinese their own and the Indians too. If one is able, who cares if you're of a different hue?
Aren't there still outdated (or archaic) laws being used today? What was created yesterday for a specific purpose being used to silence the voice of dissent today. Sovereign state yes, but it seems that we're mentally shackled. Unable to make our own decisions, unable to make known what we truly wanted.
To sum it up, 52 years is a relatively long time and yet short if compared to other nations. In some ways, we can be proud of our differences but in others, it's a sad affair to see how we're still identified based on our colour and creed. The government uses the various laws to detain men and women perceived to be a threat to the nation's security / stability yet no real measures are taken to promote greater unity. Lots of speeches but no real actions. They preach tolerance but I wish to say that acceptance is the better word. No?
EVERY DAY, there is sure to be at least one news article about racism – be it to “remind” the nation to live in harmony, or a report about disrespectful behaviour towards another religion...
Happy Independence Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Fire away! I'd like to know what's on your mind.