Malaysia Day: back to basics

Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963 when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore agreed to come together and forge a nation. Singapore, however, went its way in 1965.

We have come a long way as a nation but despite general economic progress, physical development and a large middle-class, some problems have gotten worse.

Problems that trouble us can be drastically reduced if not eliminated if we adhere to both the Federal Constitution and the intention behind aspects of the Constitution and the formation of Malaysia.

The intention can be best known by referring to the nation’s founding fathers, in particular Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, the first prime minister.

One of the major continuing issues is the call by Sabah and Sarawak for recognition as separate entities that agreed to join the Federation of Malaya in forming Malaysia and not to be treated just like a state within Malaya.

Sabah and Sarawak want the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to be respected and to be treated as equal partners in Malaysia. This is fair. The agreements in MA63 should be honoured.
Some voices in Sabah and Sarawak have questioned the treatment accorded them over the years by Putrajaya and whether they would be better off leaving Malaysia.

It also appears that people in Sabah and Sarawak are put off by what they see as the toxic politics of race and religion practised in the peninsula today, as attested to by recent statements of leaders in both territories.

Which brings me to another area where we need to go back to basics: that involving race and religion.

Although racial politics has existed from the time of Merdeka, it has never been as bad as it is today.

In seeking solutions, we would do well to understand the Federal Constitution and heed the words of our founding fathers, especially the Tunku. These set the parameters for us.

The Constitution was drawn up based on principles such as moderation, accommodation, mutual respect, justice, goodwill, equal opportunity and cooperation. This should continue to guide us.

The Constitution is clear that every citizen is equal, while also allowing for Malays to enjoy certain special privileges.

If you are a citizen, you are a citizen. No citizen should be called or treated as a “pendatang”.

At the same time non-Malays should understand the history of the land and respect the special rights of the Malays. They should also work harder on using the national language.

What was the spirit under which Malaysia was formed?

Bapa Malaysia kept saying over and over that Malaysia was a democratic nation founded upon the principles of liberty and justice. He believed in the concept of unity in diversity.

We should return to this.

The Tunku is reported to have once said: “When I hear now of Umno people shouting out at the top of their voices for Malay rights, it strikes me that the country is going back to where we started before Independence. It is a far cry from the time when we fought for our Independence and achieved success. So I think to myself, are we going ahead or are we slipping back?”

He also said: “The last thing people in this country want to see is a Malaysia divided into political extremes, for a nation divided against itself can only invite trouble.”

He never tired of stressing the need for togetherness: “The people of this country seem to forget that we are a multiracial society and as such it is our duty to cast away all racial differences and work together in unity if we are to attain peace, prosperity and a better life for all.”

Another burning issue is religion and political Islam.

Again, the Constitution says clearly that Islam is the official religion of the nation. This should be accepted and respected by everyone.

But it does not say Malaysia is a theocratic state.The Constitution expressly states that every citizen is allowed to profess and practise his or her faith in peace and harmony.

In fact, the Tunku was clear that the framers of the Constitution never intended Malaysia to be an Islamic nation.

What else did the Tunku say? In 1983, he said: “There are some among the Malays who want Malaysia to be a Muslim state. This would alienate the loyalty of non-Muslims as they would feel that they have no rightful place in Malaysia, being a state for Muslims alone. As the saying goes, a country divided must break apart and fall to pieces. Nobody wants this to happen to our country”.

Yes, we all want Malaysia to remain peaceful, progressive and prosperous.

Talking about prosperity, the Tunku felt that the role of the state was to seek the welfare and happiness of its people. He was a simple and honest leader who abhorred playing politics at the expense of growth and development or while the people suffered

In recent years, there has been too much politicking and politicians have been accused of only hungering for power and pelf and not being interested in the people’s welfare.

This has to change.

The Tunku’s first Cabinet after the formation of Malaysia was an inclusive and strong Cabinet dedicated to the welfare of citizens. This is what people want.

This anniversary of Malaysia Day gives us another opportunity to reflect on the direction the nation is taking and to return to basics.

May I suggest that the education ministry introduce special lessons on the Constitution and the spirit in which it was framed in all schools – national, vernacular and religious? The cooperation and spirit of unity behind the formation of Malaysia should be emphasised in these lessons.

That could be the start of a return to basics.

But we don’t have to wait for that. Each one of us can play a role, both individually and as part of the organisations and communities in which we have membership, in forging closer ties as we work towards a better Malaysia. - FMT

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