SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

SELAMAT HARI MALAYSIA

This would be the first time in as long as I can remember that the real Malaysia day is acknowledged come 16th September 2010.
This day holds a very important place in history and for many years since 1963, people have forgotten that Sabah and Sarawak did not join Malaysia but formed Malaysia with Singapore. Singapore was part of Malaysia for a while until separation due to reasons best known to the first Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Alas, this year, we even get an extra public holiday for Malaysia apart from the Merdeka Day on 31st August every year. However, the recognition of 16th September is far greater felt in the Borneo partners of Malaysia.
For too long, most from East Malaysia felt that they are not treated the same status as Peninsular Malaysia. In East Malaysia, those who came from Peninsular Malaysia are called “Orang Malaya”. East Malaysians are by nature very patriotic to their state and known to not give up easily.
However, most people still have this belief that Sarawak and Sabah joined Malaysia. I kept reminding them and would still like to remind all readers that the historical fact is that Malaysia was formed with Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Sabah and Sarawak are very different than Peninsular Malaysia. I can tell, you this because when I first set foot in Johor, I had a few culture shocks. I remembered informing friends that I would be around for Christmas and would have an open house. When the day came, no one showed up and I called a few and asked when they would come as I would prepare all the yummy stuff. They said that they thought I was joking and said that normally, they need to be invited. I was stunned. In any case, word went through and we had a jolly time.
Another interesting thing I observed as I made my way along Peninsular Malaysia and then now to Subang is that churches seem to now be in industrial areas. They do not look like a church and are far from bus stops and in the deeper end. Compared to Sabah and Sarawak, you would see mosques, temples and churches all near each other. All have the full architecture. Here, even in Subang Jaya, I cannot hear the bell toll and no one seems to want to tell me why.
I also remember that people in Sabah and Sarawak are different in the way they treat others of different cultures. They respect each one. Tolerance was not what they were taught in as the word tolerance means accepting things as is even if one does not like it. Respect leads to understanding.
As a Malaysian, we should all be part of this country. This country is part of us. Without each culture intertwined like a rope made of the best of twine and silk, Malaysia would not be a country on her own in name.
In Subang Jaya, we will have a church soon and it is going to be at Jalan TP5 in Taman Perindustrian Subang in USJ3. It is just in front of Proton’s Excellence Centre. It is going to be called St Thomas More. Currently, the Catholics conduct mass in SS13’s Sedaya College. I believe that faith should not create fear but should create the idea for compassion and love. Of course, some have come to me and said that we should be happy when we get our own church. I am in total agreement. I also believe that a building would mean nothing without the faithful.
Perhaps it is a test of God that made the government realize the reason for 16th September to be finally acknowledged its place in the calendar of Malaysia. Perhaps too it is God’s will that a place is found for a church in Subang Jaya. Perhaps but faith should be unexplainable. It is faith or belief without reason that drives us.
Malaysia will be 47 years old officially. This is based on its formation on 16th September 1963. I sit back today behind my computer and ask myself. Is this the Malaysia we want for our future generation? The world has seen many changes. Changes are happening in political, social and economical sectors in countries around us. We used to have universities in the top ranks of choice universities in Asia. We used to have the best football team. We even used to have the best destination for ecotourism.
What has happened? We now have so many universities that one wonders if these are just given name but the quality remains an enigma. We have many potential doctors and engineers who have made the grade but still, we cannot give all this opportunity to study.
It is quite a harsh world we live in. The rules and the regulations are made by man and of which man is not God. Everything in our path is never easy but man is susceptible to greed.
I have met people who claim to be pious yet flaunt their wealth. I cannot but shake my head in disbelief. This is Malaysia. Are we all truly wealthy?
I cannot understand as well, when the people in the interior of Sarawak and Sabah lost much due to flood and fire, many have failed to help. But when another country suffers similar, they run to help. Where is the logic behind this? Is it so that Malaysians care for the outside than the inside? Look around us. We have created this. The brightest candle now is that many of the youths are starting to realize this.
History will become cool again. The future will shine brighter again. I believe this will happen. Because this is Malaysia. The spirit is strong but we must beware of war mongers.
The community starts at home. If we even fail this, what hope is there? The answer lies in us.
To all Muslim readers, Selamat Hari Raya. And to all Malaysians, respect each other NOT tolerate each other. Remember Malaysia was born on 16th September.