SEPTEMBER 20 — September 16 should be the single most crucial day for every Malaysian. It is supposed to be a day to commemorate the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
Don’t get me wrong, August 31 is important. We declared ourselves as a sovereign nation and broke free from British rule on that day. But Malaysia Day is the day when we formed the profound kinship with Sabah and Sarawak as a nation that embodies the spirit of unison and acceptance.
The 916 of 2015 was nothing but a celebration of racism and bigotry. Let us not waste time debating the semantics and context. Tan Sri Annuar Musa proudly declared that he is indeed racist (justified by Islamic teachings, according to him) during a speech in the rally. How selfish and shameless it is to steal the limelight from the integral pillars of Malaysia. How un-Malaysian.
This is, sadly, the level of discourse we have in Malaysia. We have leaders who harp on menial issues of race and religion to divert attention from the giant elephant in the room. We no longer aspire to pursue knowledge.
We used to aim to be the best, not settle for mediocrity. We have been content and comfortable, complacent in our ignorance. We are happy being oblivious and lazy. We have, ultimately, been indifferent. Like gangrene or an infection (“perception of”), corruption festers in the heart of our beloved nation.
Our “tidak apa” attitude have finally caught up with us. Years of acquiescence have accumulated into a giant financial scandal that is worthy of global scrutiny. In the spotlight of the world stage, we have become a thriller turned comedy. It’s time to take responsibility: we have failed as Malaysians. I have failed as a Malaysian.
As a child, I was bombarded with slogans like “Malaysia Boleh!”. The slogan resonated so well that it remains a part of every Malaysian’s identity. Malaysia Boleh!, in accepting “donations” from foreign nationals. Malaysia Boleh!, in becoming the model of racial segregation for the world. Malaysia Boleh!, in giving nonsensical excuses (we are wizards when it comes to shunning responsibility). Malaysia Boleh!, in shooting the messenger (for reporting “alleged” corruption”). Malaysia Boleh!, in blaming everything and everyone except ourselves. In stark contrast with Obama’s 2008 election slogan, Yes, indeed, we boleh!
On that last point, we do blame everyone and everything in the universe except ourselves. It is evident and it is indisputable. Our representatives in Parliament do not hesitate to attribute blame on the Opposition, the Chinese, the Christians and the Jews.
What a horrible time it is to be a supporter of the opposition! They are labelled as “pengkhianat” or traitors of their race and nation. What a horrible time it is to be Chinese! They are labelled as usurpers of Malay Supremacy.
What a horrible time it is to be Christian! They are labelled as infidels who convert Muslims. What a horrible time it is for the DAP! They are ultimately labelled as the mastermind of all things negative that is going on in the country. God forbid, if you are a Christian Chinese member of the opposition and the DAP.
What a horrible time it is to be Malaysian! Our struggle to transcend racial politics has ultimately been stymied by the lack of intellectual discourse. But intellectual discourse doesn’t seem to be our culture, according to some of our enlightened leaders. In an age where knowledge is held sacred, we have opted to be the exact opposite.
My father is a great and principled man. Growing up, I was taught to accept responsibility whenever I erred — a lesson that I conveniently ignored until I was well into my adulthood, and I learned the lesson in a hard way.
In a society where lies are rampant and honour discarded, responsibility seems to be a concept long abandoned. Shirking responsibility seems to be the trick of the trade for many politicians now, at the expense of Malaysians.
We blame others for our wrongdoing because it is the convenient way out and boy, are we paying the price as a nation. Fifty-two years on as the Federation of Malaysia, we have not learned to love one another as fellow countrymen.
I hear cries of Malay dignity that drowns the pleas of Malaysian pride. What should have been one is fractured into pieces, separated by the indoctrination of the elite few. Before our eyes stands the spirit of 1 Malaysia (oh, the irony), with a noose tied around its neck.
How much longer do we have to play the blame game before owning up to our mistakes as a nation?
How un-Malaysian of us.
P/S: Before anyone accuses me of practising a double standard, I did not agree with the date picked for Bersih 4.0 too. I know that view might not sit well with everyone but I was genuinely concerned with the possibility of history repeating itself. But I’m glad I was wrong. Bersih 4.0 turned out to be the most peaceful and successful one to date.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Malay Mail Online.
