AS in Malaysia Day celebrations of the recent past, September 16 brings forth discussions of nationhood and one’s place in this country.
The thoughts of one’s place in Malaysia is often evoked by a sense of inequality where there is a case of different strokes for different folks.
The powerful and connected get away with things where the ordinary person does not enjoy such privileges.
This was so until former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was sent to prison for corruption. Suddenly there was equilibrium, and all seemed to be right with the universe where political ties and pedigree are not taken into consideration where for once, all are equal under the law.
The country has been resetting itself onto the right track since 2018 – not in terms of electing the first non-Barisan Nasional (BN) government, but that the people’s voices were heard and the people’s choice was asked to lead.
Of course, it was a case of “kera dapat bunga” (giving a monkey a rose) when the people’s mandate was squandered and a backdoor government was put in its place – only to be replaced again 17 months later by another unelected coalition.
These are growing pains of a nation 59 years young (65 years if one considers independence from the British in 1957).
It is not something to discourage us but in fact embolden us to demand what is right and justiciable from our leaders – whoever they may seem.
Now that the people know that true power lies in their hands, they are able to make better decisions knowing that their voices are heard.
Najib’s conviction and sentencing is the system yielding to the people’s demands for a corrupt-free nation and the rule of law.
There are now other former leaders waiting in the wings to face justice. None of this would have happened if the will of the people had yielded.
So, there is hope. That the prime minister is refusing the pressures from the party warlords to interfere in justice is a sign that weak political parties and politicians may not necessarily be a bad thing.
What is needed though are sound and intelligent economic and educational policies to alleviate poverty and stimulate growth towards a high-income nation. For a country rich in natural resources and some of the best minds, we should be thriving as we approach our sixth decade of nationhood.
As Sabah and Sarawak too start appreciating their strengths in this family that is Malaysia, they too have begun demanding a larger, more equitable slice of the pie.
And this is what nationhood should mean – where everyone has a stake, and everyone has a say irrespective of whether one is an ethnic majority or minority or a legitimate newly minted citizen.
The likes of PAS and its chief Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang spewing racial rhetoric to divide and conquer are the actions of a frightened group of people who understand that Malaysia is the sum of its parts and there is no place for hate and division. In the end moderation and inclusivity is what will take this nation to greater heights.
The story of Malaysia is still being told. How it continues from here will depend on all of us. – The Vibes, September 16, 2022
