We Are All the Same

Tuesday, 1 September 2009

We Are All the Same

1 Malaysia
As I sit here to pen my thoughts for this month’s article, my mind wanders to notions and ideas of 1 Malaysia. The last few weeks have been quite eventful for our nation. From MACC to proposed alcohol ban, caning of a model to the PKFZ and many more. Some people I know have told me that they have stopped reading the news. I may be exaggerating to say that our Malaysian news really, is not for the faint-hearted! When I open my eyes every morning, the first thought that comes to mind would be “Oh no, I wonder what’s in the news today!!”
Will things progress for the better? 1 Malaysia is a wonderful concept. When our Prime Minister announced it, I welcomed it with mixed emotions. I am glad that finally our Prime Minister is stating what every Malaysian longs to hear.
Sad that it has taken us more than 50 years as a nation to acknowledge that there should be only 1Malaysia.
I am not sure why we need to be reminded of something we ought to be or to have been for decades. Maybe the existence of such a theme 1 Malaysia proves that we do have a divided Malaysia at the moment. Every ordinary man and woman on the street is fed-up with racial politicking. Any statement is easily misquoted and perceived to be anti-religion. Race-based politics are being tossed and hurled by certain shallow politicians and further promoted by some unethical media papers. It is distressing to know that some other countries have moved way ahead of us in uniting their nations but Malaysians are still struggling to accept with conviction that they are united.
This Merdeka, let us remember that underneath the different colour of our skin is the fact that the colour of our blood is all the same. A(H1N1) and dengue attack us regardless of our race or religion. Let us focus on what binds us all together, our similarities and not our differences.
A(H1N1) plague
Everyone has to play their role in tackling A(H1N1). Let us exercise care in our daily activities to ensure this disease does not continue to spread. My deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher of SMK USJ 12 who recently passed away because of A(H1N1).
Dengue
Dengue is on the rise again. In a recent enforcement exercise in PJS 7, 22 breeding spots were found within the compounds of homes. 13 breeding spots were found in public areas. Fogging is only one of the ways to curb dengue. If these homes continue to allow breeding spots for aedes mosquitoes, no amount of fogging will be sufficient. I will continue to ensure that MPSJ and Alam Flora also perform their part especially when it comes to cleaning of drains. Since last year, I have been urging all residents to do their part by spending only 10 minutes a week to check their homes and surroundings. Dengue is as dangerous as A(H1N1). Just this year alone, PJS 7 has recorded 33 positive dengue cases. I hope all residents and resident groups in the Subang Jaya constituency will continue to be vigilant in our fight against dengue.
Illegal dumping
I drive around my neighbourhood very frequently, for one reason – to check on the performance of the Alam Flora contractors. But this is not about the contractors; I will explore this another time. When I drive around, I frequently notice the illegal dumping trend happening even in an urban constituency like Subang Jaya. Neighbours would throw furniture and rubbish by the side of the road, often times in front of another’s house and not in front of their own home. My husband calls this the “anywhere but my backyard” syndrome.
This is a very selfish mindset. I have seen people driving Mercedes and yet throw rubbish out of their posh car. I have seen motorcyclists littering too. I have seen with my own eyes Malays, Chinese and Indians littering too. It has nothing to do with race, status or whether you are educated or not. This “anywhere but my backyard” syndrome has to go. We need to start thinking for others and not just for those in our households. We need to start thinking, acting and functioning as a society. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Changing the government is not enough.
The people have to change their mindset as well. The "First World Infrastructure, Third World Mentality" Malaysian malaise has to go. Something has to change. Someone has to change. And only then will we truly be a developed nation.
Hope
I say there is hope for the future generation of this land. Young people I have met and spoken to have all expressed their desire for one multiracial identity. No more race-based views. Let us celebrate our National Day this year with such hope and encouragement in mind, knowing that things will be better in the days ahead.
Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to wish all our Muslim friends “Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan and Selamat Berpuasa”!