Friday September 16, 2011
TRULY I am proud to be a Malaysian. I love this country because I was nurtured to be patriotic by my parents since childhood. I believe Malaysia is a land flowing with “milk and honey” – blessed with so many different cultures, languages, natural resources and opportunities.
On Aug 31, we enjoyed the Merdeka Day holiday. Probably this was the first time we did not really “celebrate” Independence Day on the actual date. We will do so today, which is also Malaysia Day.
Don’t take our unity and peace for granted. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, we should move from mere tolerance to acceptance to achieve greater unity among our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. We should start to walk this path.
We have the responsibility to show our patriotism by loving our country and our countrymen regardless of race, culture, religion or language. Due respect for one another is paramount.
All Malaysians must be more sensitive in handling religious and cultural issues for the sake of religious and racial harmony.
Stop pointing fingers, throwing accusations, showing disrespect for the sanctity of places of worship, publishing controversial articles, photos or advertisements via mass media, condemning one another’s beliefs and politicising sensitive issues that could cause racial tension.
The Government should emphasise even more constantly, in any way possible, the five tenets of the Rukunegara – Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; Good Social Behaviour and Morality.
All quarters – Government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) – should continue to combat the various social illnesses and provide jobs for the unemployed and better jobs and positions for those who are capable and deserving without looking at one’s creed or colour.
We must also encourage youngsters to pursue higher education and take up self-improvement courses even as the Government continues to create better education opportunities for them.
To ensure the success of the nation-building process, we should not forget to help the poor and the needy of all races in whichever way possible. If we decide rightfully, we can be a blessing to our beloved country.
Imagine how beautiful it will always be if all races attend open house gatherings on festive seasons, sit together to watch sports events on big screens, take part in multi-racial programmes, go camping or on outings, sit and chat at coffee shops or ‘warung makan’ or eat durians together.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the Government, politicians or NGOs and the citizens are not doing anything.
I’m just emphasising on learning from past events and what’s happening around us.
I have worked in a Malay press for years and most of my friends are Muslims. I join in buka puasa and festive open house events in the office or in their houses and even attend functions organised at mosques.
I believe all will be well if we practice moderate living, acceptance and mutual respect for one another. Let’s continue to pray for unity and peace. Together we can make Malaysia a better place to live in.
Selamat Merdeka and Happy Malaysia Day! God bless Malaysia.
KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN,
Gua Musang, Kelantan.
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