MERDEKA — a word to capture the moment Malaya won her independence 57 years ago. She has come a long way since then — from a tin producing agrarian colony to one that has transformed itself to rank amongst the world’s top economies.
However, seven months into 2014, our beautiful nation has suffered a series of calamities and episodes of embroilment amongst our brethren. What we have witnessed is an indication of the decline in the spirit that led to Merdeka. Only with the will and determination of a people united can we transform our tragedies into great achievements and revive that spirit, that Aura Merdeka.
Aura Merdeka is a symbol, of a universal bond that we Malaysians share. It was the cooperative and constructive effort of our forefathers that led to the birth of Malaysia. Names like Tun Tan Siew Sin, Tun V.T. Sambanthan, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Lee Kuan Yew are held in same esteem as heroes like Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. Umno was a big piece but of a bigger pie that also included our Chinese and Indian brothers and sisters. Merdeka, like Malaysia, belongs to us Malaysians.
For the past year, blame has been laid onto the Chinese community who swung their votes to support “change” that Pakatan Rakyat advocated. It has been further exacerbated by some inflammatory groups that hurl abuses and blame at each other. These groups have abused the freedom that is accorded to us as citizens of Malaysia, yet they only represent a minority of the population.
What we must realise is that the people are the raison d’etre of the government. Without the collective will of the people, any government, however well intended, cannot function. Discourse and reason must thus prevail.
May 13, 1969, was an episode etched into everyone’s mind and a constant reminder of an event that culminated when discourse and reason was thrown out the window. We know of the cause and its effects and how it has shaped our society today. In 2014, there is an echo that resonates in the air with certain quarters warning the people of another catastrophe similar to May 13. My fear is that if this frustration is not dealt with and nipped in the bud, we may see something far worse than what happened in the past.
We must all recognise that the pen is mightier than the sword, for words have greater power to change minds for better or for worse. If the word becomes a tool for settling scores, to gossip, and to charge people randomly, then it will have become a tool of destruction. Whilst this by no means disallows constructive criticism as a means to engage, we must ensure that the word is used responsibly and not let ourselves become a burden to what our forefathers have built.
What is this fear we act on? More often than not, we are afraid of our own shadow. When one begins to feel entitled and doesn’t get what one wants, that fear mutates into hate. What happens when the very institution that one feels is meant to protect oneself simply doesn’t, due to one’s own actions? Of course one would look for a collective of like-minded individuals to share one’s sentiments. But, does it really help you with the insecurities and allow you to take back what is perceived as your right?
Ultimately, what we have descended to are numerous collectives and groups shouting at each other. Who is right or wrong? Amidst the deafening shouts of profanities and name calling, I realise I can’t hear nor do I want to listen. But there is also an overwhelming silence. Silence from the people who are tired of this shouting and who still believe in the institutions. It is the silent voice of reason.
In 1991, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad unveiled his Vision 2020. In order to achieve this, Malaysians had to be a nation united and made up of a united Bangsa Malaysia and a “psychologically liberated, secure and developed Malaysian society”.
It was unity in diversity that allowed Malaysians to achieve economic stability and riches as evident in our standing and in monuments that stand before us in our nation’s capital.
Have we not a cosmopolitan metropolis that represents our nation’s wealth? Have we not accessibility to travel from town to town in a matter of a few hours that most nations do not possess? Do we not have a platform of technology and communication that allows almost every home to be connected to the outside world, bridging cultures and dispersing knowledge? Have we not become a nation where literacy is amongst the highest in the world?
When did we forget that it was by embracing our diversity that we achieved such triumphs? It is only with a strong leadership that leads by example and with the appropriate supporting cast that this was possible, and it is only with it that Malaysia will be strong again. The diverse citizens of this land are the supporting cast and the foundation of the greatness we can achieve together.
As with the variety of our cuisine, Malaysia is a potpourri whose vital ingredients comprise of our diverse and complementary ethnicities, races, religions, and languages. The unity and power of this country demands a collective responsibility from all of us to defend it at all times, especially when the ambitions of our detractors and aggressors have increased. We must be ever vigilant.
We are all part of the same Malaysia. Our role is based on defending our citizen rights and making sacrifices for unity. We should always be keen to support others in their just cases. This can only be achieved through unity.
Malaysia is a nation that encourages dialogue, moderation and co-existence. It is from dialogue that our beautiful Malaysia was born. Let us set aside our political differences and our prejudices
for Merdeka and reunite as Malaysians.
Before the American Civil Rights movement, before the fall of the Berlin Wall and before a united South Africa free of apartheid, Malaysia was the envy for a multiracial and diverse society. If it were not for the social contract of mutual respect of our respective races, Malaysia would not be where we are today.
We must always remember too that as long as we have the Federal Constitution and guard it jealously, the people of Malaysia will be safeguarded. No one born in this wonderful land, regardless of race, creed and religion can be called a pendatang.
By all means, allow the government to dictate and provide policies, and allow it to be debated in Parliament by those we have elected, and remember that the Monarchy not only safeguards Islam, but all other religions and races together.
Truly, Malaysia is a nation with a set of democratic principles. Under the Federal Constitution, we are accorded freedoms — freedom of worship, freedom to do business, freedom to choose our political allegiances. But freedom is often abused and falsely interpreted.
Aura Merdeka transcends politics, race and religion. It is an inclusive engagement to promote mature discourse regarding policy, thus aiding and stressing to the executive branch the importance of its role to make wise and informed decisions, based on thorough study and supported by relevant technical knowledge and expertise with the ultimate aim of improving the lot of all the people.
Recognising that the ignorant Malaysian could be the detriment and ultimate downfall of this nation that we love so much, it is my ardent hope that Aura Merdeka instills strong principles in us, for Aura Merdeka lives in each and every one of us.
Selamat Hari Merdeka!
-NST
