Merdeka 52 – A united nation only way forward

Creating a truly 1Malaysia

The nation is to mark its 52nd year of independence with various elaborate programmes, parades, cultural shows, banquets, all sorts of competitions, sporting events and payers in mosques, temples and churches all over the country. As we stand at attention, sing the national anthem and salute the national flag as it is being hoisted, it may be pertinent for us Malaysians to pause to ponder on our achievements, our problems and the direction we are heading as a nation.

Can we say that we are truly far better off as a nation than we were at the time of independence? Do we really have the 1Malaysia that we are proudly proclaiming to the world? In physical development, economy and technology there is no doubt we have advanced tremendously but when it comes to basic human development, democracy, morality and racial unity we must admit that we have failed miserably.

The fundamental problems confronting the nation today are racial polarisation and politicised government machinery. Most of the troubles that haunt us today are directly or indirectly contributed by these two unfavourable underlying causes. Corruption, crimes, declining standard of education, racial and religious tensions, unethical political rivalry, disregard for law and order and above all the suspicion and ill-feelings towards fellow Malaysians of different race and religion are all the result of these two factors.

Fifty-two years may have passed but the nation is deeply divided by race and religion. In fact deteriorating race relations has become the greatest worry and its repercussions are threatening the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
After 52 years of independence it is unfortunate that we have a new generation of Malaysians, political leaders, parents and the people in general, who are so racially charged they have become over sensitive and intolerant to the most trivial comments and criticisms from members of other races. Each community has become highly suspicious of the other and has cultivated a selfish attitude in wanting to sustain their own communities, sharing their knowledge, skills and wealth among themselves with little consideration for the plight of others. In fact we have succumbed to the ugly influences of racism losing all the goodwill and tolerance that were once our national pride.

We may have attained self rule 52 years ago but where are we as Malaysians today? By right we should be nearer to the ideal state of a united Malaysia where everyone regardless of race and religion would have an equal stake in the fortunes and misfortunes of our nation. We should have been nearer a state where all citizens must be treated equally with regards to education, scholarships and job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. We should have been nearer a state where we must have mutual respect, not just tolerance, for the traditions and cultures of those different from ours. Unfortunately we are nowhere near this ideal scenario; instead we seem to be on divergent paths, moving away further and further from that situation.

Politicisation of the public institutions including the police, judiciary and most recently the MACC has seriously undermined their independence and impartiality. They are there to serve the people without fear or favour of any sorts. Unfortunately in their enthusiasm to please those in power, the laws of the country have been breached rampantly to protect the corrupt and guilty.

Furthermore the unhealthy monopolisation of the civil service by a single ethnic group has given rise to the many unhealthy incidences that have shocked the nation in recent times. The civil service is seen to be a Malay institution and any action taken by its staff against the non-Malays is perceived to racially bias which may not be the case in many instances.

The mindset of the public service must change in keeping with established democratic principles. It should be truly neutral, treating all citizens equally regardless of ethnicity and political ideology. Heads of departments must bear in mind they are to serve all fairly without fear favour in accordance with the laws of the country and their institutions. They must uphold the Federal Constitutions at all costs. Failing to do will lead to chaos and lawlessness which we are witnessing with increasing frequency these days.

If we are sincere in wanting lasting peace and uplift our nation to the ranks of other developed democracies in the world we have to sort these two problems immediately once and for all. Procrastination will only lead us to greater complications from which we may never get out. Genuine commitment on the part of all Malaysians, regardless of race and creed, especially the political leaders are vital in tackling these problems. Half-hearted attempts, as being done now, are not going to succeed in overcoming the problems that plague us today.

On this National day Malaysians of all races must ponder where this racial mentality is going to lead us? Unless we unite and say ‘NO’ to it now we will definitely be heading for self-destruction and doom. As citizens we have to decide our destiny and not allow a few with ulterior motives to lead us astray. We must believe and propagate that believe to all around us that what brings us together as Malaysians must be stronger than what pulls us apart.

It is time for all Malaysians to share a common dream, a dream that one day Malaysia becomes a developed nation by the whole-hearted contribution of all its citizens regardless of ethnicity, a day when all communities are accepted as equal and every citizen feels equally proud to be called Malaysians.

Prime Minister has pledged to be the leader for all Malaysians alike; Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and others. Let’s pray that God will give him the courage and the will to work together with the opposition to initiate the cascade reactions that will lead to the dawn of a new Malaysia where all races can work together hand in hand without fear or suspicion to realize our Malaysian dream?

Dr.Chris Anthony