Merdeka 61 - Rebuilding a more inclusive New
Malaysia
This is
fact the second Merdeka.In the first in 1957 we gained our independence from foreign
rule, the British colonial power, but in the second we got our freedom from the
abuses of our own people who ruled us for 60 years after the British rule. It
was our own leaders who ‘colonised’ us because of their greed for power and
wealth.
Both our independence
were fought and won by the people but the most important difference between the
two merdeka is that the second was won
peacefully in the most democratic way, at the ballot box with absolute peace, demonstrating
the maturity of the people.
Today we
have a New Malaysia that we are struggling to build against the forces of
corruption, racism and religious extremism. We are struggling to build a more
inclusive New Malaysia where every citizen has equal opportunities under the Malaysian
Sun. We are struggling to build a New Malaysia that is based on the Federal
Constitution where the rule of law would be supreme and every citizen equal.
All these
efforts need the support of the people who must be wise not to succumb to the
forces that are bent on returning to the old system of divide and rule which
will only lead to our failure and demise as a nation. We need the talents and
skills of all citizens to realise the vision of a truly successful, united and
peaceful Malaysia.
In the last
14GE, Malaysians have proved that they can do the impossible and we hope and
pray they will continue to rise up to do the right thing to build the right
nation we all yearn.
Selamat Hari
Merdeka,
Sayangi
Malaysiaku
