A new hope for Malaysia – Vinod Sekhar

THE first day of 2021. A year where all of us were challenged to our very limits. 
 
Challenged in our jobs, in keeping our jobs. Challenged in keeping business’ afloat, keeping doors open. Challenged on who and what we are. 
 
And here is what I have learnt – we are a Malaysian nation. United by our collective belief in the diversity that is our strength. 
 
We learnt that many politicians do not have our best interests at heart, only theirs. 
 
They use race, religion, fear, ignorance – anything to maintain their position. So, we learned to turn to other forms of leadership and, in many cases, we found it.
 
We found heroes, inspiration – from ordinary Malaysians acting extraordinarily. Individuals going out and helping people they don’t know, feeding people they’ve never met before. 
 
We saw our frontliners – underpaid, overworked – still doing the work necessary to keep us safe. We found that to find leadership and the Malaysian soul, we had to look beyond our political leaders, and to ourselves, to true Malaysians. The year 2020 has shown that we are able to listen to the better angels of our nature. 
 
So, in 2021 let’s do more, let’s do better. Let those that can give our hand and lift, and those that can’t, accept the hand, so that soon, they can do the same. 
 
If we can look at each other and see another Malaysian – not an Indian, Malay, Chinese, Kadazan or anything else – imagine what this nation and her people can achieve.
 
We are a nation that is still a work-in-progress. Let’s keep progressing. We won’t get it right all the time. But getting it right some of the time is pretty good. 
 
So, here is my wish for all of us in 2021 – here’s to a new year of hope and strength. May we all listen more to the better angels of our nature.
 
From my family to all of you, Happy New Year, God bless us all and God bless Malaysia. – The Vibes, January 1, 2021
 
Datuk Wira Dr Vinod Sekhar is chairman and group CEO of Petra Group