OUR 50th Merdeka Day is just 7 days away. On this blessed day in 1957, the Federation of Malaya became independent of Britain. Malayan soil was, for the first time since 1511, completely independent!
The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence. Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. However, for a number of logistical and administrative reasons, it was decided that the official proclamation of independence would only be made the next year, on August 31, 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj announced the independence of Malaya from the British on August 31 1957 at Stadium Merdeka.
NOW TOGETHER WE SHOUT :
MERDEKA ! MERDEKA ! MERDEKA!
Although all of us are still 'hanging' somewhere during that time in 1957, but we must not forget what our past leaders had made a peaceful and harmony Malaysia for all of us here today. We should proud to be a MALAYSIAN.
27 comments:
Actually Malaysia is only formed in 16th September 1963 and not 1957.
Therefore, to be actually recorded as Malaysia's 44th year of independence and Malaya's independence of 50th times..
Why is Govt confusing the fact ??
After so long,...do you think we always think as true Malaysians ??? or Malaysia for Malaysians and not otherwise for different races ???
Aiia...a danger zone not for comments but good to reflect upon and hope the day will come very soon...
BTW, we are not hanging somewhere...may be some of our parents have yet to meet each other..probably still in primary school...thus...could not be us...
I am see-sawing on this issue.
On one side, I agree "Malaysia" only existed on September 16th, 1963. I, as we all here, am a Sarawakian. My loyalty is to this State first.
On the other hand, if we look at the most successful federation to date, the United States of America, note that they celebrated Independence Day on 4th of July. Quite a number of their current 50 states did not even exist when the first 13 colonies formed the American Republic.
The latest to be admitted to the American Federation was Hawaii.
But, again, as a Sarawakian, I know very well the feeling of not being included in the greater Malaysian Federation.
Which among us here who have not been asked the question, "welcome to Malaysia" the moment we stepped onto Malayan soil.
Up to this very day, there are still Peninsular folks who do not know that Malaysia is not just the Peninsular.
I love Malaysia but I am a Sarawakian first.
Here are two differing views on the same subject brought by g8buds:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/71438
and
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/71579
I agree with you mygreatbuds. Why are keep celebrating 31 August? The fact is We Sarawak, Sabah & Tanah Melayu & Singapore formed Malaysia 16 September 1963. That's mean our Sarawak independent day is on 16 Sept not 31 August!!!! During we were kids we were tought that Malaysia merdeka on 31 AUgust but the fact is that it is meant for Tanah Melayu only. They planned to form Malaysia on 31 August too but something happened during the time and it only happened on 16 Sept. Then it sould be a holiday on 16 Sept!!! WHy Sarawak didn't have the previlage to a holiday on 16 Sept but Sabah was give? I wonder why????
Friends, sometime I wonder are we really "merdeka"???? Emmmmhhhh... WHen they said we "pernah di jajah" for 400 years and now we should defend our freedom. But what about our mind, culture and other things? Some people follow what other people in other countries do. Should we have our own identity and let other countries follow what we have.
I hope that after 50 years of self governing, Malaysia will uphold the principles of integrity, ethic, transparency and equality. This will ensure that Malaysia remains competitive in a globalised market.
In addition, effective government delivery system, fair and merit based policies will not only reduce cost of doing business but also retain local capital, expertise and attract foreign direct investment which is very much needed to revive the sluggish economy.
My hubby always have something to say abt our govt...JPJ gorek jalan-complain, JPJ didn't repair road-complain. Poor service at govt depts, polis tak cekap, corruption etc. You name it, he's said it.
I always ask him: What about things that the govt has done that is GOOD? How come no praise for those things? So the good things don't count, but the bad ones do lah...
I don't vote, I don't put up our flag on 31 Aug, I'm not what u wld call patriotic. To love the place I call my country/home, all I have to do is take a look at other less fortunate countries.
Does Malaysia need to change? Most definitely. And to do so, MALAYSIANS need to change. Humans are insane creatures, they want their world to change, but not themselves.
My principles: having a mindset of gratitude serves me a lot better than focusing on the faults of my country.
Mahatma Gandhi said it best:
Be the change that you want to see.
I voted in the last General Election (2004), my first time ever.
I am worried to compare Malaysia to other less fortunate countries. Before that, we might compare Malaysia to Thailand, Indonesia and Philipines and we are much better. But now some of them have outperforming us and we started to compare with countries in Africa.
Why don't we take a more positive approach by comparing Malaysia with developed countries in order to find out what is lack of us. Malaysia is very blessed by the abundant of natural resources, talented people, good juridical system left by the colonial government and by right that shall make us one of the richest nation in Asia.
Look at Singapore, it is only a city state with no natural resources but why is it so successful. Look at other developed nation and why their paid is 5 times of ours and is sustainable.
Personally I found that these countries uphold to the values of ethic, integrity and equility. It is not because their citizen is more educated or they have advanced technology. By putting good values to practise in their daily life, they are competitive. They are able to provide goods and services of better quality and standard that people are willing to pay than Chinese made which are far cheaper.
The politic in Malaysia has been make very complicated. The core characteristic which centred at wealth distribution among races have take its toll where Singapore separated in 1965 and there are negative impact and unsecure feeling of the citizens as well as foreign investors. In order for Malaysia to progress, this half a century old issue has to be eliminated and Malaysia shall focus on international competitive in order to catch up with countries that have overtake us in the last few decades.
Hmm...good topic, though potentially explosive. Certainly not for the weak hearted. Lots of other sites debating issues like what have been commented here. Eg malaysia-today.net, malaysiakini.com, jeefooi, etc. I'd suggest going there to have a look and see how things are played. Election's coming so need to open both eyes.
Anyway, my take on this:
For as long as there are racial based political parties, we'll never be free of racial sentiments. These parties will always play up to deep rooted resentment from years of brainwashing. We can never erase our race and call ourselves one Malaysian. This is too deep rooted. While I think it is good to identify ourselves with race, eg Chinese, Malays, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, etc, as it is unique to us, it can only be positive if we start to remembering that we are all ONE citizen - MALAYSIAN citizen, and that we MUST all work together, hand in hand to achieve greater heights. Those racial fears put into most of us over the years must be eradicated.
The only problem is that 20% of us can think independently while the other 80% are just pak turuts or pak tidakpa. And those in position knows and exploits this well.
Other factors also come in play. How many of you remember during F2 or F3, we were commissioned to attend a political rally at the Sibu stadium. After which each of us were given monetary benefit for standing under the sun.
Gr8buds:
Divide, confuse and conquer. Those are the key ingredients to maintaining a grip on what you have.
Hansac/gr8buds:
I agree with you that Malaysia came into formation with the joining of Sabah and Sarawak. It' a fact. These two states join as equals and not as lesser or superior states. Why then have we deteriorated? I'm sure you know the answer. On the date of independence, I agree with Hansac. It shouldn't be an issue of whether 31 Aug or 16th Sept be celebrated as Merdeka day. However, Malaysians must always be informed of Sept 16, 1963. And I agree with Hardy that Sarawak should have 16 Sept as a holiday to commemorate this. The current scenario however is otherwise. Why?
Ivy:
Your hubby and I could get along very well, me thinks. :) While I think you can be grateful we are better off than most 3rd world countries, we must never forget that we also have less fortunates living in this country. Have you ever seen those living in dilapidated conditions? Have you seen those whose lives are ruined by promises made and broken? Have you seen those who resigned their dignity and beg for donation through the papers in order to live? Where then are those who screams that they will fight injustice, poverty, etc pre-election, but hides after winning? Where then are those who have enriched themselves many time over but balk at contributing? Only by focusing on the faults can we focus on improving.
Last food for thought - Look beyond race. Contribute to the democratic process of our country.
WH
The race based political parites and distribution of power and wealth among the ethnics are indeed an obstacle for Malaysia to progress. Instead of arguing who gain more or less, Malaysian shall focus to be competitive in order not to be left behind.
An analogy is a person who is struggling to be afloat by holding to a float in the water. His other mates have learned to swim and competed in the Olympic. If he always hold on to the float, he will not make any progress but that will keep him away from sinking. Now the challenge is are we brave enough to let go the float and start to learn to swim. Learning is always a painful experience. The fruit harvested after the pain will prove to be rewarding.
The other obstacle that Malaysia face presently is the lost of integrity. The lost of integrity is costing the country to pay a lot more in order to implement or obtain a substantard projects, products and services.
Patriotism does not meant to stay with the main stream. The courage to point out the mistakes, constructive criticism and offering alternative opininons is also patriotic.
I agree that race-based politics has become the downfall of our country, and I agree that the NEP has essentially weakened the Malays/Bumis.
I have read the translation of "Negarakuku", and I agree to what Namewee has sung.
I readily admit that I am one of those Malays that has benefitted from NEP, but to me this benefit should stop with me and I myself should worry about the welfare of my children (because now I am gainfully employed and that my employment has provided me with a way to go forward) and that the state should help others that are really in need, regardless of their race or religion.
I do not agree with policies giving discounts to Bumis on purchases of market-price houses: why should a Malay who has the same job with a Chinese be given a discount? Both earn the same salary.
I understand this and I know if I do not start this way of thinking, the generation after me will suffer, in terms of nation-building.
The Bumis from rural areas should be given help and assistance and subsidies, together with the Chinese who works hard in their farms and kebuns.
With all these writings you see from me, you can read between the lines which party I voted for in the last General Election 2004 in Kidurong Parliamentary area.
THEREFORE I believe all races must play their role and provide some give-and-take in the nation-building.
For example, the NEP should be done away with, and be replaced with a general assistance program to all. NEP was never part of the social contract agreed in 1957.
The Chinese, have to live a more mainstream Malaysian lives than what they have now. This means, in bare minimum, doing away with vernacular newspapers, ability to speak the national language more, and, to the farthest extreme, doing away with national-type schools.
National-type schools does not exist in Thailand, Indonesia or Philippines. I am not sure for Singapore, but bet national-type schools also does not exist in Singapore.
Let us promote and use languages not for defensive purpose but as a unifying tool and a mean for us to negotiate better in commercial terms.
Malay as a national language and the ability to command foreign languages like Mandarin, Arabic and English should be promoted.
Jeff Ooi has something to say, here:
http://www.jeffooi.com/2007/08/malaysian_cover_chinese_inside.php
All these gung-ho talk from me is backed with substance: I went to SHS, I went to college in Kuantan which is the heartland of Malays, I studied in the States and my lab partners and fellow students were Chinese from Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong together with South Koreans, I have worked more than a decade in a Malay-dominated company and now working in what is perceived by the Malays in the company I previously worked for, as a "Chinese-control company".
My current supervisor is a Chinese who has a very practical view on NEP. He said NEP will be gone soon, "just wait la".
Therefore when I talk, I talk with credibility.
Wow...an explosive talk...hope not to become like Sarawak Talk !..orelse the creator of this blog..will be under hot and spicy soup !
I agree to all your comments as dealing with this sensitive issues, all must be sincere and only then we could progress first individually, then we could promote the real democracy that we pledge.
I am touch with Hansac's sincerity as that is the true way to progress. Priviledges must only be given to those needy, handicapped and less fortunate. Let's not talk about races...but if we could look at our own team of workers/colleagues in the company...we could have the same effect...and I like William's analogy of swimming. All must really start to swim rather than holding on...as soon the whole company may just collapse and sunk. Work as a team, all shall progress !
Ivy has soft spot for the less fortunate...good and appropriate as we need to appreciate how wonderful and blessed we are,...but then, it is good to be better and progress and soon, with such prosperity that we have like Japan (became economic giant after WW2) or Singapore (a tiny island with mightier strength than us), we could help to less fortunate with ease...
I sincerely wish the day of true Malaysian for Malaysia will be here (not to wait like US who waited 250+ years before accepting fully on the Nega issues not before having a civil war...)...BTW, we are only 44 or 50 years only..
The real fact, as Sarawakian, I appreciate and grateful to the sacrifice by our forefathers for giving us this freedom ! thus...I will fight to have this freedom intact...so that my children will continue to enjoy this fruits...
Aah...that's why they say nvr discuss politics (we ARE somehow talking abt that topic).
We all have our BS. You love your BS, and I love mine. And nope, BS is not wht you think you knw wht it is....BS=belief system. No one can say their BS is better than another person's BS. No one is wrong, no one is right. We just LOVE our own BS-es, the key is to work 2gether.
So here's my BS:
Gratitude is NOT the same as being complacent and contented. Gratitude is simply gratitude. Change, improve & go forward WITH gratitude and you'll achieve a lot more than without.
I am a great believer of the word "change" (for the better of course), and Hansac's quote on Gandhi hits the nail right in its place **clap!clap!clap!**
I cannot agree more with William abt upholding values such as integrity,ethics,transparency & equality in M'sia. But who is "Malaysia"? Should we speak of "Malaysia" as a third party? Aren't "WE" Malaysia? So we call ourselves Malaysians...but we talk abt Malaysia as if it's not us.
Out of all the things we nyak-nyak-nyak about, there is ONLY ONE thg I knw I am totally in control of - myself. My attitude, my integrity, my values, my choices, ME. It is much easier to get others to do the right thing by BECOMING the right person, then by telling thm what is right and wht is not.
It is likely we will never live to see the kind of changes we want, they come generations after. But it has to start somewhere, and I've decided it will start with me. Not my hubby, not the govt, but me.
WH: U get what u focus on...focus on faults & u shall get more of them. Here's the trick, be AWARE of the faults, FOCUS on the improvements. It's the Law of the Universe, whether u believe in it or not, it will still happen, like gravity. And I speak with credibility too.
Still, this is just my BS, and I love mine, and you love yours! Cheers!
There is no harm in healthy political discussion without causing discomfort and insecurity to others. There is six more days before we can sing "Happy birthday Malaysia". Hope that all of you are enjoying this weekend and has some plan for the forthcoming long weekend.
Everyone,
I'm so glad all of you have a greater and broader mind, unlike some narrow-minded capitalistic "leaders". I'm really touched and happy to have y'all as friends. What I want to say/add, have already been well said by all of you here.
The big question is, "How can change be made?". Does it start, only to lose momentum? Does it go beyond words? How do we erase years of indoctrination?
Ivy:
My apologies. I reread my post and I may have used a wrong choice of word. I didn't mean to sound like I'm banging you...erm...wrong choice again. :) I meant attack you. ;) When I said "you", I was generalising. What I meant was, anyone, not you specifically. Roses in return for forgiveness? @}--
Warhammer
Quote Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah:
'Everyone has a right to feel as Malaysians,'
WH
Roses? Did u say roses?!? Can can, anything can also forgive...ah hah hah hah.
No need apologies one lah, we all matured people, no need to take things personally. Your BS and my BS differ mah...very normal one.
By the way, roses are so appropriate cos it happens to be my b/day today - and only my No.1 Gentleman remembered.
YIPPIEE!!! I AM 36! What a GLORIOUS age to be at!!
Actually I feel I have spoken what need to be spoken on this subject, but Ivy said something else, I think that needs to be responded to in kind and and most decisively...
You see, having different kinds of belief systems are fine. But your belief system must not jeopardize mine, neither should mine jeopardize yours. More so, your moral value must also not result in others being trampled upon.
For example, if you a woman being rape, running behind your belief system that you should not "jaga tepi kain orang" is simply wrong.
There is something called the universality of truth and there are a lot of commonality in all belief systems.
If this commonalities is not found in one particular belief system, or if one belief system is infringing upon the right of other belief system, then the society have a moral right to incarcerate the believers of that particular belief system.
Case in point: a thief. A thief believe that he/she can steal your things. Therefore, we, the collective we, have to imprison him and make him understand that his belief system must be changed to suit the majority.
To believe is easy, to act is not.
To hide behind a particular ideologue is even easier.
The Sultan of Selangor is correct, that everyone has the right to feel as Malaysians, but more importantly, everyone MUST act like they ARE Malaysians.
Otherwise someone else will act on your behalf.
Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians. - Charles de Gaulle
Form Sixers go through a rigorous training in Pengetahuan Am, where you are taught to think and understand and dissect contemporary issues.
Don't let that training goes to waste.
Hansac, you've just helped me strengthen my point...thanks!
Ivy, you sound like my boss...no right no wrong...always want to sit on the fence...it is also a good phrase to cool off tension...hmm..
Hansac, I could not recall what Mr. ST had taught us like what you'd described. May be subtly into our mind. But at that time, we are really into "Inilah barisan kita...from Perlis to Sabah...wow !"
Further, in Form 6, I have to admit that I am not involve in the "isu semasa", what I am more involve are "3-1", squash, lepak at friend's house, library...whatelse,huh..? I was only more incline to the hot issues when in Uni as like it or not, my seniors would "brainwash" as early as 5.30a.m...imagine 3,000 Spartan against the majority of 10,000!:)
In fact, in Sarawak...we do not feel it as we are more together but in the West, you can see the real difference. Probably a cultural shock within cultural. That is my first impression when I first step foot in Bangi.
Whatever it is, we must respect eac hother..and I salute PM's recent comment on one newspaper !
May we continue to live in a harmonious community always maintaining our respect and love for each other's uniqueness..
hi, everyone,
wa lau er!!!!!! I never expect that my post would create so many sensitive issues on politic, races, BS thingy etc..... anyway i enjoyed reading all yr comments....I have my own BS too but it's too sensitive to elaborate again here....
hansac, u r the first malay friend that would admit and dare to speak out the privileges and 30% quota thingy to certain races. U will have my hug and award in the forthcoming reunion...:))
Ivy, 'no right no wrong' thingy is very dangerous and irresponsible also. You may ask a lawyer, do he/she agree on the statement?
William, your points are great and i think because of our country system that encourage you making a decision to move and work in australia. haha...
WH, welcome u back to the blog again and i thought i would never hear the 'hammering' sound again....hahaha...'HAMMER TIME'..
By the way, where is our Mr TEE????anyone know where is he hiding lately???
I have repented and decided not to continue my acting career in Malaysia and do some serious engineering work. However after so many donkey years working as an actor, I think and act like an actor. I am now learning to work as an engineer.
ya ya ya...i heard the calling. Im coming and in fact I'm always 'around' like I shared with gr8buds this am. I lamented my view (wrote an essay i would say) under this topic in early Sat am but WHOOSH my wireless modem ate it. Too tired. So just forget it.
In short, a big clap for those who contributed your views here. Highly appreciated. I think generally with internet access, it just make evryone's view instant (provided of course u got to post it somewhere like this blog).
It is always interesting to observe how hot each politic issue is especially when discussed over a cuppa kopi but the election result (so far) ALWAYS shown otherwise. Has the election mechanisme failed us or most people wear mask?
William, u r a smarty. I strongly urge u to consider coming back and help to build this nation and correct any path which we think could be wrong. We need smart engineer like u and people who are not just willing to share ur own view but rather to act on it. We must remember, as descendent from China, we r always considered migrants in wherever countries we reside unless we migrate back to China. Non-racial based political party (of course not 100% but at least u can say there's an effort moving into that direction) is emerging ie SPDP. I met with one of the section head the other day and we spoke with great length. I learnt a great deal from her just from that conversation. It's always a lonely battle when u r up there so we need support from the base in order to get the leader's ideology going. But make sure u join the party which truely shout ur slogan and not just for the sake of fishing votes. BTW, seeing Lee Loke makes me think of u. He is smart like u. Don't worry, I do keep an eye on him whenever possible.
Folks, don't be afraid to speak out. Share ur views wisely and vote wisely. I am proud to be a Malaysian.
Thank you for your advice Mr.Tee. I have a hard timw time in my first job and I am into my second job. I learned from my errors in the first job and I took the initiative for a lower position and request for a lower salary for less responsibility and mentoring. This year has been a hard year for me. It is easy life back home compared from struggling oversea. It is as in my analogy before. I am willing to let go the float to stay afloat. My float is by no means "NEP". I am learning to swim now and it is better for my own development.
I have nothing more to say on this issue and in this blog except to say this in the strongest and loudest possible tone, that I do not accept heroes' offer of hug.
Now, may I suggest that heroes hug Ivy, and in turn, Ivy hugs me.
BOLEH OR NOT?
MALAYSIA BOLEHHH.
:D
From politics to hugging...Hansac, you really kek-leng-na lah...can twist the topic so fast one.
I actually decided tht I wld say no more after Stephen's comments...but Kok Say nudged me into penning somethg down.
Almost everyone had a different interpretation of what I wrote - and whn I say diffrnt, I mean diffrnt fm wht I actually meant.
No-wrong-no-right was how Stephen perceived wht I wrote...not my stand at all. Hansac perceived tht it's not correct to just let others stand by their BS esp if tht BS harms someone else - and I didn't imply tht either.
A sentence with exactly the same words, presented to 10 diffrnt people will most likely have 10 diffrnt interpretation to it. And each of the 10 will love their own interpretation more than the other 9. THAT was wht I was trying to say, and only that.
Our BS started building the day we were born and accummulated thru the years with EVERY SINGLE happenings and words that we experience and hear till today...wht are the chances of erasing 1 person's ideas/thoughts/ emotions/attitude etc of 36 yrs (if u're as young as me), and replacing it with smeone else's...your guess is as good as mine.
And Hansac, you gotta come to Kch if you want a hug...ths hugging biz not accepted in Sibu one lah...
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