ONLY two major incidents of strife threatened to jeopardise the relationship between Malaysians – May 13, 1969 and Memali, both a result of a period of political turmoil.
For the most part, Malaysians remain a generally harmonious people living side by side as communities representing diverse races and religions.
Nevertheless, have Malaysians been taking our relative stability for granted? Should there not be a greater initiative to more seriously learn our history?
The younger generations appear more absorbed in the future of our politics: however, they seem oblivious of Malaysia’s history.
Are politicians and the education system doing their fair share to bring about such awareness? Isn't it the politicians themselves who might be exploiting contentious issues?
In recent years, talk of Sabah pulling itself from the Malaysian Federation have gained some ascendency, creating some dismay and confusion among the Malaysian population at large.
Political analyst Ronnie Klassen, in an exclusive interview with The Vibes claims such suggestions are created by selfish individuals who do not consider the national impact if such a thing were to take place.
The Vibes spoke to Ronnie on the aspirations of the people of Sabah and their sense of being a part of Malaysia in Part 4 of a 6-part series of ‘Truly Malaysia?’, which runs every Saturday at 5pm here at The Vibes.
Sabahans have mutual respect for all Malaysians
Ronnie asserts further that he strongly believes that a large segment of people feel they belong to a country that is not only multiracial, but also nurtures a sense of belonging in its people.
“Sabah wanting to leave Malaysia? We were born here, and we will also die here.”
“I consider anyone who has come up with any kind of malicious intentions of wanting to pull Sabah out (of the Malaysian Federation) – it is not only not healthy, but such people also need to have their heads examined,” he stressed.
However, when questioned about Sabahans rejecting Peninsular Malaysians, Ronnie emphatically refuted such claims, reiterating that Sabahans have mutual respect for each and every Malaysian.
“For us Sabahans – and basically over here in East Malaysia – everyone bears mutual respect.
“We do not care whether you are from the Peninsular; Malay, Chinese, Indian or whatever. We seriously do not care, and we do not see the differences.”
“Personally, I think politicians need to come here… To learn a thing or two from Sabahans and Sarawakians. I would not mind teaching them if any one of them are keen to come over,” he said, in a mischievous manner.
Apart from that, Ronnie is firm in his belief that the rakyat is being deviated from real issues because of the political winds of the day, but in the end, if Malaysia were ever to be threatened by an outside force, he firmly believes Malaysians will come together to defend this country.
On a parting note, and full of emotion, Ronnie expressed: “That is how I will look upon, and hope in my dreams that Malaysia will never be broken by unscrupulous characters." – The Vibes, November 6, 2021
Read the previous part of this series here:
The ‘Truly Malaysia’ Series Pt 1: Syaq Koyok
The 'Truly Malaysia' Series Pt 2: Abang Buzze Azam
The 'Truly Malaysia' Series Pt 3: Christina Ningkang
