AUG 30 — It is difficult for us to walk hand in hand for a cause, because we grow up in different schools, and speak different languages.
Some go to religious schools. Some go to national schools, some go to vernacular school and some go to private schools.
We also do not have pride in Bahasa Kebangsaan. We only see Bahasa Kebangsaan as a language belonging to the Malays. Our racial pride and sentiment are often canvassed by the word “heritage” or “customs” or “mothertongue” - hence we fail to see the Malay language beyond the Malay race.
How is it possible for us to put many conditions, hurdles and barriers among ourselves, and in the same breath cry the word Unity? How could we allow our pride in religion, customs, heritage and mothertongue supercede the will of the Nation?
Some may point out to Bumiputra policy as the problem. But understand this: The reason why we have Bumiputra policy until now is not so much because Bumiputras cannot stand on their own or Bumiputras are behind in wealth. Bumiputras do not mind being poor as long as there are food on the table. The main reason why Bumiputra policy stays is because, between the Bumiputras and the non-Bumiputras, genuine trust is absent.
So this is a matter of sentiment. This sentiment can only be removed once genuine trust exists between the Bumiputras and the non-Bumiputras. Genuine trust will be there once we have that strong feeling that we are indeed a Nation, and this goes back to my earlier question: How can we become a Nation, with genuine trust, when our children go to different schools?
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
