Thursday, May 6, 2010

Malaysian Insider: Whither Malaysia? — David C.E. Tneh

Whither Malaysia? — David C.E. Tneh

Malaysian Insider, May 06, 2010
MAY 6 — Where have we gone wrong? Places of worship being burned, sacred animals being paraded and mocked, corruption and crime are still the norm of the day. Do we still have it in us to make this beloved country a place for all Malaysians? The world has long left us behind and here we are still squabbling over issues of race, religion and language.

We achieved independence more than 50 years ago but it is the petty and shallow mind that is the colonial master of our fate. It is ironic that we are letting a small group of violent people shout and rant their narrow-minded views across and, in doing so, dictate the future of Malaysia whereas the silent majority is frustrated to silence. Whither Malaysia?

Whither Malaysia? If Malaysians continue to shrug off their responsibility towards the environment and refuse to recycle, thinking that there are many more landfills to come or that Mother Earth is self-healing and immune to all manners of air pollution, river contamination, toxic waste, carbon dioxide, pesticides and heavy metal poisoning. Or taps will never run dry, clean water will last forever till kingdom come and one should not worry about the environment because the government or future generations with their I-Pods and Blackberrys will be able to solve the situation.

Whither Malaysia? If Malaysian drivers continue to think that the roads belong to them and it is the survival of the fittest, with ignorance, apathy, and the ability to drive at breakneck speeds (which literally will break one’s neck) the rule of the day. Or to slow down one’s vehicle during an accident but not with the intention to render assistance but to have a clearer view of the road victims’ licence plate number for monetary reasons associated with the game of chance with the god of gambling.

Whither Malaysia? If we do not treat each human and living being with respect, love, and compassion. From the garbage man to foreign workers in the estates, from the homeless and less fortunate to the starving and mangy dog on the streets, all are God’s creation and unless we uphold all values that are clear to humankind. For we are the stewards of Earth and for a life that is as temporal and fragile as ours, the goodness that we do in life is a contribution to humanity and the greater life beyond.

Whither Malaysia? If the crime rate continues to increase and Malaysia will be a collection of gated communities whereby even the future postman and rag-and-bone man would have to apply for an access card to enter the housing area. Gone were the days when one could walk peacefully in the neighbourhood to purchase a packet of salt without fear of being mugged. Today’s Malaysians are armed to the hilt with pepper sprays, personal alarms, and long heavy sticks in their cars for protection against the seen (and perhaps unseen).

Whither Malaysia? If politicians continue to squabble for power and position whereas the average Malaysian Joe on the street struggles to earn his keep in the present global economic uncertainty and rising inflation. And indeed if they are the chosen ones by the rakyat, how come such politicians continue to misplace the people’s trust in them, often with ghastly and ludicrous statements in Parliament and the media that makes a mockery of the intelligence of Malaysians.

Whither Malaysia? If we do not stand together united as a nation, and continue to let our differences tear us apart. And if we continue to be part-time Malaysians and run away from our country because it is an “inconvenient place” to live, what will become of our country?

Sift through the discriminatory policies, bad politicians, communal prejudices and one would discover beautiful Malaysia and the glory age of race relations in Malaysia. What united us were merely P. Ramlee movies, the great Malaysian football and badminton team, and our love for Malaysian hawker food. This is reflective of multicultural Malaysia, our diverse rich histories coming together to search for a home, and a common destiny together, as Malaysians forever.

* David C.E. Tneh strongly believes that there is no place like home (Malaysia) and Malaysian hawker fare is second to none.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

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