There can be no Malaysia without us

Since we share this home that is Malaysia, we are family…but even families need a helping hand, sometimes

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I woke up at 3am this morning and drove all the way to Jalan Telawi, Bangsar for a #Puasa4Malaysia gathering organised by Malaysians For Malaysia. It was scheduled for 4.30am and I didn’t want to miss it.

Since I arrived at the mamak place where it was to be held, an hour early, I decided to seek out a corner spot where I could easily indulge in my favourite pastime, people watching. While waiting for my tosai and kopi O, I scanned the crowd. 95% of those there were Malays – clearly there for sahur.

Half an hour later and there was still no indication that the gathering I had come to attend was going to take place. Since it was still too early for my brain to start thinking, I decided to order my second dish – french toast and ginger tea. Big mistake! It was possibly the lousiest French toast I had tasted in my life.

Just as I was updating my Facebook status to warn everyone to stay away from the mamak’s french toast and stick instead to the tried and tested roti canai, I saw a familiar face walk into the restaurant. Then there was another. And another still.

Soon the introductions began. I was first introduced to a few new faces. More introductions followed.

Customers who were previously scattered all over the restaurant approached, carrying their drinks.

Strangers shook hands. Friends hugged and patted each other’s backs. People exchanged smiles and nodded, acknowledging each other. There were many ‘hellos’ and ‘nice to meet you’ greetings. It was truly a pleasant feeling.

Soon, people started joining their tables together. First there was one, lone table. Then another was joined up and two became one. Then three. And so it continued. In the end some fifty people sat together at a few combined tables. Latecomers pulled up chairs and joined the crowd.

It was remarkable to see how differences in background, ethnicity, religion and status didn’t seem to matter. It was proof that people can come together simply because they believed in the same thing. This is the true 1Malaysia.

People from other tables gave the group strange looks. Perhaps they were wondering what all the fuss was about. I wish they had joined us or at least made an effort to ask what #Puasa4Malaysia was all about. Like most Malaysians, however, they chose to stay put in their individual caves with their own kind.

Exactly at 4.30 a.m., Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir showed up with her family. Warm as always, she greeted every single one of us and took a moment to personally talk to each person.

Upon shaking my hand, she said: “You look different from your profile picture, Fa”.

I wish I could have told her it was my “4 a.m.” look, but my tongue froze. Darn!

As we sat together, I could feel a different atmosphere taking shape. This wasn’t the usual kedai mamak gathering where you gossiped and debated issues like 1MDB, sarongs and drinking water in toilets. This was different. It was special.

There was lots of laughter. Chatter about nothing…about everything. Food. Music. Singing on the street. Taking of photos. Selfies. And great company!

This was truly the essence of Malaysia.The feeling of togetherness and sense of belonging was exceptional.

On my journey back home right after azan Subuh, I thought of all my friends and acquaintances who should’ve been there but weren’t. I thought of our leaders who chanted about unity but had no idea what unity is. They should have been there. Our MPs who often quarrelled and seem incapable of compromise – they should have been there too.

Malaysians for Malaysia!

I have had glimpses of it before but that morning I experienced it first-hand. It is not a platform. It does not have a political agenda. Instead, it is an opportunity for Malaysians to come together to celebrate what we have in common, the pursuit of the Malaysian dream.

It is a dream we can unite around. A common goal we share, so much so that the bumps and twists and turns we encounter don’t matter that much.

What counts is that Malaysia is home to each of us – a home we love deeply. Since we share this home, it makes us one family!

But even families need a little help. sometimes.

So for those who may have missed the sahur gathering, do join the buka puasa gathering tonight at Chawan Bangsar. If you are up north, head over to Kassim Mustafa Restaurant, Lebuh Chulia, Penang or Syeun Hotel, Ipoh.

Or organize your own gathering. Tonight. This weekend. Anytime.

Whatever you choose to do, reach out to others. We need to hold hands and stand strong in solidarity.

After all, there is no Malaysia without us.