National unity aspiration in Malaysia still an unrealised dream 67 years later

AFTER 67 years of independence, Malaysia must surely be a developed nation by now – on par with some of the regional economic powerhouses like South Korea and Japan.

But unfortunately, the country is nowhere near them because it was recently revealed that Malaysia was never an Asian tiger in the first place.

All these past years, Malaysia was more a monkey than a tiger (even the cub) and this means it has been swinging up in the trees unlike a tiger firmly striding on solid ground.

What in the world has happened to a country that was founded on the “principles of liberty and justice”?

We were the “masters of our destiny” once the clock of independence chimed out loud and clear 67 years ago but why is it today we seem unable to control the ship of state?

The ship is lurching from side to side because all those onboard – politicians of all stripes and leaders of all persuasions – cannot agree on which direction the country should be heading.

“This way,” yell conservatives who dislike anything that smacks of modernity. To them, all forms of contemporary artistic expressions are against local values and morals.

“No, follow our direction!” thunder religious zealots who want their laws imposed on all citizens of all faiths. They are ever ready to exploit every issue that has the slightest trace of religion in it. They are even willing to push the country to the brink in their religious fervour.

“Listen! You have got it all wrong! Malaysia belongs to only one race. So, forge one bangsa (race) and make it unconstitutional to promote multiracialism,” scream diehard racists who want to exert the doctrine of racial supremacy.

There are other shrill voices giving out contrary orders to remake Malaysia in their own image – and all are invariably tainted one way or other with racial and religious undertones.

Hopelessness abound?

The country has travelled the “long path to nationhood” but more than six decades later, national unity remains an illusion with many politicians paying only lip service.

With the declaration of independence those long years ago, the hope and the dream were to see the country emerged strong and thriving with every citizen enjoying the full benefits of nationhood.

Today, Malaysia should have been an example of unity in diversity, should have displayed exemplary conduct in religious tolerance, should have a vibrant economy that is second to none at least in Southeast Asia, and should have an education system equal in standard and quality with the rest of the world.

More importantly, Malaysia should have matured leaders of high calibre who would fight for the interests of all citizens and to guide the ship of state on a steady course to a safe harbour where the country would be sheltered from the storms of internal strife and conflicts.

But come Aug 31, this ideal scenario is far from becoming a reality. The politics of parochialism still occupies the national stage where leaders are unable to see beyond their nose except through the prism of religion and race.

Instead of enduring stability and harmony, fear and resentment still simmer beneath the surface as politicians, bigots and even mufti whip up issues that can inflame sentiments.

More worryingly, the tussle for power continues unabated, giving Malaysia sleepless nights and nightmares over when the changing of the guards at Putrajaya will happen with all the attendant uncertainties and perils.

Now, Malaysia has reached the 67th milestone and we celebrate yet again our freedom from colonial rule. But as the nation parades down the road, there is a sinking feeling that the future may not be as bright as we wish it to be.

We shook off one shackle but only to be manacled to a new set of beliefs, ideas, systems, slogans and policies that mostly revolved around race and religion. In the process, new political heroes have emerged who are more a bane than a blessing.

If we continue to pursue policies that divide the nation or encourage demagogues to sow discord or keep silent on zealots who make inflammatory remarks, the country will not taste the fruits of development.

And Malaysia will remain just a monkey and not an Asian tiger.

Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia