The day I’m proud to be Malaysian
On 1st August 2007, in News Straight Times, 2 particular piece of news caught my eyes:
Raja Nazrin: Allow only honest officials to serve nation.
The Raja Muda of Perak has always been vocal in his opinions on public governance. Some things mentioned on this particular article:
1) A social order that led to cohesion within and among communities and called for horizontal equity whereby all Malaysians in equal circumstances were treated in exactly the same way.
2) Malaysian of all races and religions engaging one another with absolute civility and respect.
2) Only Malaysian who were capable, hard working, bold and unscrupulously honest being allowed to serve in positions of responsibility.
We’re talking about equal rights for all Malaysians. Well, maybe not to that degree yet, but advocating equal treatments to all regardless of race and religion(this is not the first time he has given a speech on this). All this from someone who is in a position of power and advantage because of him being born of a certain race and background. Isn’t that what democracy is all about? Isn’t that the level of civility we’re aiming for as we develop into a so called, developed nation?
I know that if I’m present at that lecture, I’ll be clapping my hands so hard it would hurt for 2 weeks or so.
Also remember he once refused state government sponsors for the cost of his wedding. He calls for the fund to be spent on the public. I know what you’re saying, he’s so damn rich he can afford to do that. Yes, he can, but past experience has shown us that just because someone can does not mean that he/she WILL. Look at all politicians who’ve already stuffed their bank account fat but is still misusing public money to make themselves even richer. There is no end to the greed of men when it comes to money made off that easy.
The truth is, I want to be proud to be a Malaysian. I once bought the idea that Malaysia is for one race alone, Malaysian, but along the way I got disappointed. You can’t be proud of your country if you’re treated as 2nd class citizens, marginalized and stripped of opportunities that should be the rights of everyone. Malaysia for Malaysians. I long for a day we are no longer differentiated by our race and religion, when we are treated as equals, because above all else, we’re all Malaysians.
I respect and solute our Raja Muda. He made me proud as a Perakian and Malaysian.
And the 2nd piece of news:
Day of champions: Footballers can learn from Nicol
Once again, Nicol David made us proud by winning the Malaysian open and thereby regaining her world no.1 title for a third straight year.
She proved that to be world class, we do not need to build the tallest building, the longest bridge, the most expensive toilet…etc,etc. Having the highest spirit and doing your best will do.
I’m proud of you, Nicol. Proud that you’re Malaysian.
Happy Merdeka Day, Malaysia.
