KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 ― Fifty years on, the headline in The Straits Times the morning after Malaysia was founded could possibly set off what they now call a ROTFL snigger among the new generation of today.

“

Singapore goes gay” it went, leading off almost the entire front page of the country’s largest-selling newspaper at the time ― stories colourfully devoted to the new beginning for Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo then) and Sarawak.

Yes, “gay” as in happy. Not “gay” meaning a certain sexual preference universally used these days. Actually the sub-head “Up goes the flag” provided a somewhat poetic rhythm.

Regardless, even if meanings were tossed about any which way, the spirit as captured in the banner heading then still positively signified standing up for a choice.

Indeed that, in one word, was the mood of the entire infant nation ― parades here, marches there, flag-hoisting ceremonies everywhere, it was a jubilant occasion all round.

The one and only 101-gun salute was let off in Kuala Lumpur to usher in history and there were smiles in every picture in the paper accompanying superlative comments from citizens and the world. It appeared that only Indonesia and the Philippines were against the formation of new Malaysia.

And now, fast forward to this day (even leaving aside the merits or demerits of Singapore dropping out from the family in 1965), Malaysians should make an honest self-assessment of how far the country has come, now that its population has almost trebled against a world charging forward at breakneck pace.

Do we get the feeling that the smiling and jubilant image is fading on some fronts, especially the promise of togetherness? This is not even considering latest United Nations World Happiness Report that Malaysians are no longer as happy as before, dropping from 51^st place to 56^th. Never mind. That, after all is what the UN said.

But 50 years on, why is there a debate over why we should fly the Jalur Gemilang during the Merdeka month? And why are we, just for the sake of cheers (and support) from the little corner, persisting with policies which have made little headway?

There is also endless agitation stemming out of the social contract and the origins of the Federal Constitution.

We are also perpetually at a loss over the use of English in schools, that on-again, off-again policy of what is good for the country.

And, with the abolition of English-medium schools 10 years into nationhood, why have national schools not naturally become the learning institutions of choice, resulting in a further polarisation?

Also, after 50 years of existence as a nation, why has insecurity set in so deep among some of us leading to a lot of suspicion and lack of trust? Why is race and religion seen as divisive elements in everyday life?

Wait a minute, these are probably perilous question these days because the answers could come like poison arrows spun wickedly from all corners ― each side blaming the other like schoolyard fights arising from “he said it first.”

But 50 years is a long time. For a human being, it could be even past the period of hot flushes and mid-life crisis as he/she enters the phase of seeking ways to stay healthy.

And, Malaysia could just do that by seriously taking the positive tones within itself. Plenty of those.

The economy, founded on solid foundation, is still holding its own against the rest in the region.

Unlike many others around it, Malaysia is relatively free from major natural disasters so much so that a mudslide in Slim River is front page news on a normal day.

Malaysia is a land of milk and honey as seen by the estimated five million immigrant workers, legal and illegal, seeking fortune here.

Let’s take a cue sometimes from the P. Ramlee movies of old and Lat cartoons carrying multi-cultural depictions that didn’t offend anyone. Would a similar scene in a movie made today be not offensive as well? Just think.

Does Malaysia need a reboot? I’d rather roll on the floor laughing and see Malaysia turning gay once more.