APRIL 12 — A few weeks ago, a taxi driver shared his experience with a tourist from China with me when I was taking a cab home. So as the driver was about to drop the tourist off at Bukit Bintang, the tourist said:


“Wow, your country has not changed one bit since the last time I came here eight years ago.”

The taxi driver continued: “The saddest thing about this is that I have no ground to refute that comment. It is a criticism, but it is also a fact.”


I silently nodded in agreement with the driver, and the tourist’s remark. I love my country very much, but I’m finding it challenging to tell people “I’m proud of Malaysia”.


That statement is not contradictory. There IS a difference between “I love my country” and “I’m proud of my country”.


In fact, I think for now Malaysians should even STOP telling people how they’re so proud of their own country.


This is not a post to discourage patriotism, but when you say you’re proud of something, you better have concrete evidence of achievements to back you up. Otherwise you’re likely to embarrass yourself.

I can’t think much of our recent achievements. As for regressions, don’t get me started.

I’m not going to comment further about the recent series of unfortunate events (hint: The night skies are like shooting stars), but all I can say is there is more regression than progression in our country at the moment, and I think with all the abundant resources and MONEY our government have, they could’ve done a lot lot lot lot lot lot better than this.

 

Take a look at the image above. If you can read in Chinese, above is the list of criticisms from the famous celebrities in China, regarding the MH370 incident. (there I finally said it — if you haven’t gotten the hint)

Some of the highlights include:


“Will never go back to Malaysia ever again”

“Friends told me that Malaysian government is incompetent, chaotic and foolish.”

“Malaysian government has hurt the world”

“Boycott Malaysian products and tourism”


Just to name a few.


At this very time when criticisms from all over the world are spewing at Malaysia, telling people how you take pride in Malaysia isn’t patriotism. It is arrogance. Anyone who says that to me, I will take it as you’re saying: “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my country.”

I think if you are truly patriotic, the best you could do is to stop perpetuating the delusion that our country is currently doing a great job, when it’s clearly showing strong signs of struggle.

I still have a teeny bit of hope to see positive changes and improvements in the future. I’m not complacent with what our country has achieved so far, and if the progression of the country benefits only the rich, I think it’s almost pointless. People don’t need to be richer to survive.

Yes, it is not right to discriminate. But if we learn to get off that high horse of ours and take criticisms in a positive way, this will be a great lesson in humility for Malaysia.


Speaking of criticisms, it has recently occurred to me, that people who tell us to “stop complaining” and “be grateful”, are likely to have ‘PRIVILEGE’ written all over their faces. (hint: they’re either rich, or bumiputeras)


To any rich Malaysian, of course you’d think the country is doing fine, money solves everything in this country. And if you’re a bumiputera, remember that the country’s system got your back covered, regardless if you’re applying for scholarships, taking driving tests and trying to win elections.


If this was a country with equality and justice, everything I said in this post would barely sound this sugar-coated. I don’t tone down much when I criticise, but I know saving myself from going to jail is more important.

A final disclaimer: not being proud ≠ shun/hate


I AM proud of being a MALAYSIAN. I am proud enough to embrace my nationality and ethnicity. This is exactly the reason why I love my country, my place of birth. Wholeheartedly.

Still, I hope I will be able to say the other phrase out loud again someday.

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