For a long time now, we have heard the familiar refrain from the powers that be.
"If you don't like it here in Malaysia, you can leave," thundered the Umnoputras and their hangers-on in BN. And many did leave. Entire families uprooted and left. Some left because their parents saw no future in this country. Some have job offers or scholarships that they will not get in Malaysia simply because of the color of their skin or their political inclinations.
The odds are stacked against anyone not aligned with Umno, Malays included. Brain drain, capital flight, call it what you will. "Unpatriotic bunch," say the politicians. ‘Traitors', some even labelled us. "Good riddance to bad rubbish," cried the Little Napoleons. The remarks were biting, and the insults no less so.
"If you don't like it here in Malaysia, you can leave," thundered the Umnoputras and their hangers-on in BN. And many did leave. Entire families uprooted and left. Some left because their parents saw no future in this country. Some have job offers or scholarships that they will not get in Malaysia simply because of the color of their skin or their political inclinations.
The odds are stacked against anyone not aligned with Umno, Malays included. Brain drain, capital flight, call it what you will. "Unpatriotic bunch," say the politicians. ‘Traitors', some even labelled us. "Good riddance to bad rubbish," cried the Little Napoleons. The remarks were biting, and the insults no less so.
But here we are - the Malaysian Diaspora. Spread worldwide, inconspicuous in their new homes. Showing up recently to be counted when Bersih called. Man oh man, it was inspiring to see so many come forward when the clarion call sounded. Thanks to the Internet, this gave face to the much maligned millions who left, not because they wanted to, but because they had to. We love the country no less in our leaving.
We may have left Malaysia physically, but our thoughts and hearts remain true to the country where we were born, and the place we grew up in. Memories remain of bygone days spent with friends from every race, color and creed. These were the moments etched in time - the living inspirations for Lat's Cartoons which used to tell tales of a people happy in their skin.
A people who have no problem playing together, eating together, and living with each other. Calling each other ‘friend', ‘kawan', ‘brother' or ‘bradder'. A time when calling each other names like "Cina Kui", "Keling Cai" or "Oi Melayu" were done in the spirit of friendship. If you are my friend, you can call me names - no offence meant, nor taken.
We leave behind friends, and sometimes family, who envy us. But on hindsight, it is we who envy those we left behind. We leave behind the comfortable, easy camaraderie of our colleagues, friends and relatives. Gone are the "drop by anytime" invites that were serious and sincere. Gone are the ‘golf kakis', windsurf buddies, cycling groups, and every other imaginable activity groups you can think of.
All these groups now taunting you on Facebook's "see-what-you-missed" type of posts.
Patriotism measured only in their hearts
We leave behind familiar places that sing a song of wonderful times shared. We leave behind years of the interwoven fabric of life shared with loved ones, friends and family alike.
We leave behind a smorgasbord of mouth-watering food often imitated, never matched anywhere - the nasi lemak prepared as only the corner mak cik knows how, the char kuay teow dished out with a swivel and a twist by the coffee shop uncle, and the fierymutton vindaloo served by the grinning mamak.
Nostalgia often hits those who have been away for a while. Even in the ‘better' land, they long for Malaysia. It is only in their hearts, that a true measure of the word ‘patriotic' should be made. Not by the size, nor the number of flags you fly. Not by the silence you keep when you see wrongs inflicted on others.
Leaving the country you love today is no longer ‘forever' like it used to be. When my father left China for Malaya in the early 1940s, it was more than 40 years before he saw his family again, and he only communicated with them via occasional letters for all of that time.
It is a different world today, of course. With the Internet, you are no longer cut off from interactions with old friends. Skype and a host of other new-age tools make sure that you have plenty of face-time with those you love. Emails keep you connected and informed. People still stay in touch with you, and you do keep up with, and may even be more aware of events in the country than those who chose to stay. It is like you had never even left.
Many do take a keen interest in political developments in Malaysia, and many are willing to do their part - touched by what they can see is a total polar opposite of what has been promised by those who lead us. The shiny, plastic looking ‘1Malaysia' logo cut-out at every street corner remains just that - a cut-out devoid of life or substance.
Coming back is an option for some, but certainly not under that farcical ‘1Programme' (Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd) run by this Umno crony who wants to lure talented Malaysians back to serve the country. We see no sincerity in that window-dressing.
People will come back under their own steam, but on their own terms. Lured back, not by the ‘1Promise' which in reality, has become a virulent disease that corrupts and ravages the country, but to answer that persistent siren call in their hearts.
The Facebook pages are filling up with "Jom Balik Undi" pictures.
The Malaysian Diaspora is on standby. And they will be back.
To save Malaysia - the land that we love.
You can take a man out of Malaysia, but you cannot take Malaysia out of the man.
We may have left Malaysia physically, but our thoughts and hearts remain true to the country where we were born, and the place we grew up in. Memories remain of bygone days spent with friends from every race, color and creed. These were the moments etched in time - the living inspirations for Lat's Cartoons which used to tell tales of a people happy in their skin.
A people who have no problem playing together, eating together, and living with each other. Calling each other ‘friend', ‘kawan', ‘brother' or ‘bradder'. A time when calling each other names like "Cina Kui", "Keling Cai" or "Oi Melayu" were done in the spirit of friendship. If you are my friend, you can call me names - no offence meant, nor taken.
We leave behind friends, and sometimes family, who envy us. But on hindsight, it is we who envy those we left behind. We leave behind the comfortable, easy camaraderie of our colleagues, friends and relatives. Gone are the "drop by anytime" invites that were serious and sincere. Gone are the ‘golf kakis', windsurf buddies, cycling groups, and every other imaginable activity groups you can think of.
All these groups now taunting you on Facebook's "see-what-you-missed" type of posts.
Patriotism measured only in their hearts
We leave behind familiar places that sing a song of wonderful times shared. We leave behind years of the interwoven fabric of life shared with loved ones, friends and family alike.
We leave behind a smorgasbord of mouth-watering food often imitated, never matched anywhere - the nasi lemak prepared as only the corner mak cik knows how, the char kuay teow dished out with a swivel and a twist by the coffee shop uncle, and the fierymutton vindaloo served by the grinning mamak.
Nostalgia often hits those who have been away for a while. Even in the ‘better' land, they long for Malaysia. It is only in their hearts, that a true measure of the word ‘patriotic' should be made. Not by the size, nor the number of flags you fly. Not by the silence you keep when you see wrongs inflicted on others.
Leaving the country you love today is no longer ‘forever' like it used to be. When my father left China for Malaya in the early 1940s, it was more than 40 years before he saw his family again, and he only communicated with them via occasional letters for all of that time.
It is a different world today, of course. With the Internet, you are no longer cut off from interactions with old friends. Skype and a host of other new-age tools make sure that you have plenty of face-time with those you love. Emails keep you connected and informed. People still stay in touch with you, and you do keep up with, and may even be more aware of events in the country than those who chose to stay. It is like you had never even left.
Many do take a keen interest in political developments in Malaysia, and many are willing to do their part - touched by what they can see is a total polar opposite of what has been promised by those who lead us. The shiny, plastic looking ‘1Malaysia' logo cut-out at every street corner remains just that - a cut-out devoid of life or substance.
Coming back is an option for some, but certainly not under that farcical ‘1Programme' (Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd) run by this Umno crony who wants to lure talented Malaysians back to serve the country. We see no sincerity in that window-dressing.People will come back under their own steam, but on their own terms. Lured back, not by the ‘1Promise' which in reality, has become a virulent disease that corrupts and ravages the country, but to answer that persistent siren call in their hearts.
The Facebook pages are filling up with "Jom Balik Undi" pictures.
The Malaysian Diaspora is on standby. And they will be back.
To save Malaysia - the land that we love.
You can take a man out of Malaysia, but you cannot take Malaysia out of the man.
STAN CH LEE is an artist and a Malaysian at heart, now freezing his butt off in Toronto as he discovers that some things are simply better said in words.
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