As Shawal comes to an end, I sit here at the Café reflecting on the past two months beginning with Ramadhan.
No, Im not muslim: Im a Christian of Chinese cultural heritage, a Malaysian citizen and a proud Anak Bangsa Malaysia.
As our Muslim brothers exercised their Islamic duty to fast, I joined them at numerous breaking fast events, joining together the celebration. In the 30days, I had visited 6 mosques and around 15 suraus and at every location my presence was most appreciated; including breaking fast with His Highness, the Sultan of Selangor. I took the effort to dress in traditional Malay baju at each occasion and that was also very much appreciated.
Thus, I was most disappointed when the MP Serdang was chastised for entering and speaking at a Surau. Adding salt to the wound was the fact that she was also called for her statement to be taken by the police, supposedly to assist with investigations. Due to no fault of her own making, she had also to make an apology to the Sultan.
During this period also, there was the issue of the school principal tearing apart our fabric of unity. Race has always been a sensitive issue in our community and played up for political interests. Many have been disturbed by it but I still see unity and strength in our diverse culture.
Instead of continually harping and commenting on race issues and the problems within the political parties, we as Anak Bangsa Malaysia should be looking at highlighting our society’s strength and progress .
Let the papers and politicians shout and scream at each other over race and politics and whatever else, but let us continue to Unite as One Voice.
In the spirit of Shawal, to forgive and forget – we must as concerned citizens, encourage our politicians from both sides, and remind them of their duty to serve. It is also our duty as citizens to play our role of being the watch-dog to monitor the elected representatives.
Each political party would have their internal fights and struggle but ultimately, at the ballot box, it is our vote that matters most. So, let us use that vote wisely, let us be responsible in exercising our duty on polling day.
Meanwhile, like a parent, when their kids quarrel, the parent takes no sides. Good or bad, right or wrong, the children are still their own flesh and blood. Likewise, when both the government and opposition side quarrel, we take no sides. Both are a part and parcel of our democratic system; and both must respect us, the voters, the rakyat – “the parent”
However, as citizens we look and evaluate the strength of each party – we hear the arguments of each side, we see the action of each side. Like the parent, we silently ad quietly decide in secret, who to leave our property in the will (our vote)
We should not lower ourselves and start joining in the fray and arguing with the politicians in public. However, it is our duty to engage each side and discuss and perhaps clarify issues and understand their thinking. Engaging with the party does not mean we support their stand.
When citizens start being positive and encouraging when engaging with the politicians and civil servants, we can definitely see positive changes. Similarly, as a parent, we encourage our children; when they fall, we are there to pick them up, and guide them.
Thus the change that the citizens demanded in March 08 will only bear fruit when citizens also become agents for change; and not let politicians bring about the changes. We must not be complacent and sit back – we must keep them on their toes.
The current direct elections being introduced by PKR is yet another example where we should see the goodness in it, rather than the negative parts. Yes, there are teething problems, there are in-house quarrels, so be it. Let PKR solve it – if they do and come out stronger, we vote for them come next elections, if not; we punish them by putting our X somewhere else.
We want to see us being able to put enough food on our tables, to have a solid roof over our heads with our hard earned ringgit. We want to be able to put aside a little something every month for the rainy day ahead. How can PR or BN assure us of that?
My X will go to the one who can tell me, assure me and convince me.
Honestly, am I really concerned if the Deputy Party President is “nyanyuk” or a Trojan horse or an ultra or whatever other terms is being used. I am not convinced just by seeing you wear the 1-Malaysia logo everyday but I see how you behave, the things you actually do – not just the sweet words you whisper?
My X goes to the one who does and speaks the same thing, not to the one who speak one thing and does another.
Bread and butter issues are of utmost importance. However, to ensure security for my son, true sustainable UNITY is important too. I feel and I know, there is real UNITY on the ground. However, for their political advantage and/or survival, some politicians keep telling us that there is no UNITY and that we must give them our X to ensure there is UNITY.
These same politicians are in fact tearing apart our fabric of unity.
All we need to do is look around us and see the multi racial celebrations during the open house this past Syawal.
In the many programmes that I have attended, little children seeing me in my Baju Melayu would take my hands and bring it to their forehead as a sign of respect. On other previous occasions when I am not wearing my Baju Melayu, they would shake my hands and no more. This is not their fault but simply the way they were brought up.
I am not offended when they just shake my hands but I am proud and delighted when they bring my hand to their forehead. I see it as progress and there will come a day soon, when our children will see others as Malaysians and not as Malay or Indian or Chinese.
Hidup Suara Rakyat – Hidup Anak Bangsa Malaysia
