"AS we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
Even as more than 28 million Malaysians today raise the Jalur Gemilang in appreciation of the country’s 55th year of independence from British rule, the words of the late John F. Kenendy still rings true.
The practice of giving thanks and counting one’s blessings, some believe, is fast fading, and has been replaced by a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction, of unease and of discord.
The clearest indicator of this in Malaysia can perhaps be seen in the run-up to this year’s Merdeka celebration. What has traditionally been a time for unification for Malaysians, transcending across colour, creed, and political affiliation, has instead become an occasion for division, discontent and championing of differing political ideologies.
The road leading up to Aug 31, 2012 has been nothing short of controversial. From the furore caused by the government-chosen theme Janji Ditepati (Promises Fulfilled); the criticism levelled at the theme’s ‘unprofessional’ official logo; accusations of a ‘by-invitation only’ Merdeka celebration; and even a Bersih-dominated ‘pro-democracy’ rally targeted on Merdeka eve, this must surely rank among the more incident-laden independence day celebrations in recent memory.
Those championing change argue that discontent is the first necessity of progress. Incidences throughout the history of time, they say, have been first sown by seeds of that very discontent, eventually becoming agents of change for greater, life-changing events.
This is true. The desire for betterment is a undoubtedly a noble pursuit, and life without a goal is a life which hasn’t been lived to its fullest purpose.
However, there are times when that pursuit of change must be tempered by a moment of reflection. There are times when one needs to call a halt to the mad chase and take in what has been achieved, how far one has come since the beginning.
Malaysians have much to give thanks for. This little corner of the world has come a long way from being just an extension of Her Majesty’s British Empire to becoming a key player in world affairs and industry.
Its founding fathers, starting with Tuanku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, have individually set this small dot on the world map on its course towards growth and prosperity. Pioneers such as Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad have all played a role in changing the life paths of Malaysians, helping them evolve from being farmers to corporate, white collar workers on par with the rest of the world.
Illiteracy is no longer a problem. Access to all parts of the country are now available via a network of highways which is the envy of many other developing countries. The standard of education continues to improve, with pledges made by those in power to continuously strive for even loftier education benchmarks. Malaysians’ average wage and purchasing power has also increased incrementally, aided also by various subsidy concepts targeted at lowering its people’s cost of living. The social engineering plan has resulted in the emergence of a dominant middle class, which is the backbone of any successful economy.
Malaysia is no longer a third world country. It is a vibrant developing nation, filled with promise and armed with a clear plan charting its course towards fully-developed status.
However, the cultural melting pot that makes Malaysia what it is ensures that success cannot be achieved by a single race alone. Thus, the formation of other component parties such as MCA and MIC has helped level the playing field and ensure that progress is achieved in unison.
Umno, MCA, MIC. There are many among us who spit at the mere mention of these names, labelling them as the reason for Malaysia’s woes.
It is however, wise to remember the origins of these very same entities who had helped shape the country. It would also be wise to note that under the stewardship of the present administration, the political scene is now more open and accepting of competition and criticism; something that seemed only a pipedream not that long ago.
"Melayu mudah lupa (Malays easily forget)," Mahathir said in his poem at the 2001 Umno general assembly. Twelve years on, it would appear that not only the Malays, but the others have also forgotten the dark days, now transfixed with the bright and shiny promises of the future, pledged by others.
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite; this is also vanity and a striving after wind, goes the Biblical verse in Ecclesasties 6:9. It can be understood as enjoying what you have rather than desiring what you don’t.
Wise words, indeed. But will we still remember it twelve years from now? Only time will tell.
-- mD
