AUGUST 17 — My 10 year old told me this morning that he was up last night watching Malaysia beat China to win a spot in the mens’ doubles finals in the Rio Olympics. The pride in his face when he said was unmistakeable.

He was rooting for his fellow countrymen in their quest for Olympic glory. This says a lot about the role of sports in the unity of a country. When we compete overseas, we represent the country. We are the flag bearers for the nation and when our athletes win, they hold their head up high, draped in the Jalur Gemilang proudly singing Negaraku for the entire world to see.

Last night, Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem did our country proud. Getting into the finals ensures at least a medal for Malaysia. Azizulhasni Awang bagged a bronze medal in the men’s Keirin, a feat more commendable when you see his pint size compared with the other medallists. Pandelela Rinong won a silver medal as a Malaysian, not a Sarawakian. All of this because of their hard work and training over the years and because when they are in the Olympics, they carry the hopes and dreams of all Malaysians with them.

Bronze medallists Azizulhasni Awang watches as the Jalur Gemilang is raised after the men’s track cycling keirin, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Aug 16, 2016. — Picture courtesy of Kong Len Wei

Nothing unites a country better than for the love of a sport. I remember in my teens when the entire nation watched the live telecast of the 1992 Thomas Cup Finals. Images in the stadium where Malaysians of all races cheered together as one, our national flag waving in the stands. Malaysia sorely needs another moment like this. A moment when the national anthem is played in the Olympics as we celebrate the success together as one country. 

My son will grow up to be a proud Malaysian. He instinctively supported the Malaysian team instead of the Chinese one. It never even crossed his mind to support the Chinese team. Our politicians today can learn a great deal from the young. No Malaysian should proudly claim the South China Sea for China, nor disrespect the national anthem during the month of August. It is also illogical that a cabinet minister can create an ethnic based IT mall in the heart of KL for political purposes. These politicians belong to a bygone era.

Malaysia beat China last night and the entire country cheered. For one fleeting moment, we were all Malaysians and I hope come this weekend, when our athletes go for gold in the finals, that moment will forever be etched in our nation’s history.  It is obvious even to a 10 year old that together as Malaysians, we are stronger than the sum of our parts. 

* Kong Len Wei is a councillor for Majlis Perbandaran Manjung and the Chairman of MCA Youth Perak Young Professional’s Bureau.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.