Wednesday, August 30, 2017

60th Merdeka 2017 - 'Negaraku: Sehati Sejiwa'



Clinging onto fading hope

Image result for merdeka 2017Like me, many Malaysians in their sixties, would be marking this 60th Merdeka of our nation with heavy hearts. Having seen better times before we are disturbed to see the state of affairs in the country today. Our nation is being plagued by a number of ills that makes our hearts painful.

As a nation we have made tremendous progress since our independence, but today we seem to be losing all that we have achieved. These achievements did not come to us freely but earned by the sweat and toil by all of us, regardless of race, creed and political believes. 

The ills in our country today that must be addressed with some urgency are:
1. Racial and religious polarisation that is leading to tension among the races. Racial and religious unity and goodwill has become a top priority in the country.
2. Failed education system leading to declining levels of moral values and standards in all areas. We are failing to produce people of calibre and integrity. There is lack of role models in every aspect of Malaysian life today
3. Financial mismanagement with massive corruption and escalated cost of living that has become a big burden to the people.
4. Blatant abuse of power and lawlessness leading to high crime rate and insecurity for the people
5. Politicisation and commercialisation of all services and all aspects of life

The just concluded KL2017 Sea Games may give us some hope that all is not lost. The victory in the games may bring some feel-good effects but it will take much more commitment, determination and sacrifices on our part and especially of our leaders to bring the right changes for lasting peace, harmony and prosperity for our people.The contribution of every citizen counts towards realising this aim of creating a united and progressive nation that we were once proud of in the world.

The coming 14GE offers us another chance to save the nation. As citizens let’s do our part and hope and pray that our leaders do theirs to bring the nation back in the right direction.

Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-60

CNY - Year of the dragon

Happy Chinese New Year to all, in particular the Chinese members of our bigger Malaysian family.May this Year of the Dragon bring peace &...