Its once again, Malaysia's birthday. Although to be exact, Malaysia was only formed in 1963 and we are actually celebrating our independence from the British colony. Let's see what we have achieved in the last 52 years. We are more democratic now, we have voted in our oppositions, yet we are not progressing forward as we should. Everyday we read the newspaper of past corruptions and of injustice of those in position. Then, there is the political debate on alcohol consumption and education system in Bahasa Melayu or English. I'm pretty sure when we have had our independence, our forefather were thinking about how we progress as a country and to mark our presence on the world map. We have created a race called the bumiputras and we have a system that is not based on meritocracy but skin color. It still upsets me but I've grown up with it and for all the flaws she has, I would not abandon her and mouth a single bad word about her.
Its funny that 52 years ago, the whole world sat up and listen to us because we gained independence without any drop of blood shed. We have always enjoyed peace and harmony, in a multi racial country. We pride ourselves in being tolerant to other races, but the recent news of government wanting to tear down temples and holy places break my heart. I've never been a racist, I know what its like to be a 3rd generation of immigrants to a country. We may speak the language, we may blend in with the people yet, we are never truly home. That's how I feel. In fact, I have friends from different races, religions and background. Heck, I also have clothings from different cultures to be used for different function. There is nothing like donning a cheongsam, sari, punjabi suit and kebaya. I have this design in my head for a kebaya with sari material and a mandarin collar. It might be weird but i think its the best of 3 major cultures!!
So while I sketch this out and source the material out, I hope that the current Prime Minister speech of 1 Malaysia, without racial boundaries would come true. Its a wish that I dreamt of and it won't take an instant to change. It might take at least a whole generation to come to terms. But all I wish for is that I would be able to see this change happen while I'm still alive and breathing. And my kids would grow up to know the true and real meaning of racial harmony. I know I want my kids to be able to appreciate different cultures, assimilate it to their lifestyle and create a muhibbah culture for all Malaysians for generations to come. And even if we are all to speak in our own mother tongue, we would be able to understand what is being said. That's my wish and hope for Malaysia, that we would really be a muhibbah community!!! Happy 52nd birthday, dear old girl.. There's more to come and more to look forward to.
