Ripples of hope

MP SPEAKS | Since finding myself with some unaccustomed free time, I have been reading a book by Kerry Kennedy called Robert F Kennedy: Ripples of Hope about her father’s impact on the lives of several prominent individuals. I find a quotation by Senator Kennedy in this book to be profound and meaningful, especially given the current political developments in Malaysia.

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

Now the dust has more or less settled and we have read various reactions and responses from political analysts and the public. To me, the piece “Tell Me You Want Me To Stay” written by a heartbroken "Yin" is the one that encapsulates the reality of the matter for many of us.

On my part, I made the decision to stay out of the new government and remain as an independent MP.

Since the events of the political convulsion that has shaken the country these past few weeks, I, like many Malaysians, have questioned whether there is any hope left for Malaysia, and indeed, for Sarawak.

Is there any hope for those who have fought for their NCR to be fully recognised?

Is there any hope for those who have been made to feel unwelcome and unwanted in their own country?

Is there any hope for those who feel unappreciated despite having contributed to the building of this nation?

Is there any hope for those stateless people who long for their citizenship application to be granted?

Is there any hope for those who have spoken out against racist politics?

Dwelling on these questions, my mind was drawn back to a speech I made on Malaysia Day 2012 when the Kuching Declaration was unveiled. In that speech, I laid out the many injustices and hardships borne by the people of Sarawak. In the same speech, I shared my dream and vision for Sarawak and Sarawakians, in the spirit of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech.

My opponents had mockingly called me a dreamer, whose struggle for justice and fairness had no hope of succeeding. Many years have passed since that day - I have experienced numerous highs and lows in my political journey, and learnt many lessons along the way.

Having collected my thoughts after a period of reflection, I am thankful to discover that the same dreams and vision still firmly reside within me, and are very much alive with every beat of my recently restored heart.

Malaysia has gone through the trauma of a political haemorrhage and understandably many Malaysians are disillusioned and bitter about the outcome. However, the simple fact is that there is still hope as long as we, the people do not give up, and we resolve to unite to fight the injustices that have been inflicted upon us. There is still hope if we believe that there are still good and sincere leaders from the different races who are ready to lead us. There is still hope if the voters continue to fearlessly speak up against all those who have betrayed our trust.

I believe, deep in my core, that Sarawak still has the potential to make the difference in Malaysia, to be the model state for peaceful racial relationships, harmonious living and religious acceptance. We have the potential and resources to be an economic powerhouse and an advanced agricultural centre.

In order to achieve our goals, I believe that we need to focus on three key areas: unity, infrastructure and education.

To be united, we need to have political stability and social cohesion, and I believe that these are achievable in Sarawak. Good road infrastructure is fundamental to connect people and places, thereby acting as a catalyst for economic activity and growth. Education is the golden key to enlightenment and freedom from manipulation and oppression, and paves the way to personal growth and the progress of a nation.

In my 2012 Malaysia Day speech, I said that in 2007, an African American named Barack Obama announced his lofty dream to the nation, proclaiming: ‘For that is our unyielding faith – that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.’ Obama went on to become the president of America.

Perhaps at times our love for our country feels very much like unrequited love. It is easy to give in to feelings of anger and cynicism and give up all hope. Nevertheless, we must continue to love and to hope, and to rise above all the turmoil that engulfs us at seemingly regular intervals.

I believe in a God that is sovereign over the world, our country and state. I believe that there are many of us who are looking for like-minded people to come together to send forth tiny ripples of hope that will "cross each other from a million different centres of energy" that in turn will build a current that can sweep down the mightiest wall of oppression, injustice, religious and racial bigotry, corruption in this beloved state and country of ours.

God have mercy upon us.

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BARU BIAN is MP for Selangau. - Mkini