The recent proposal to make Barisan Nasional a single multi-racial party should be applauded.
This would unite the Malays, Chinese and Indians and minority races as one. After all, we are all citizens of one country and should not be divided by race anymore. We are the rakyat that functions as a catalyst to sustain harmony, economic growth, technological advancement and social diversity amongst races. We are the perfect example to the world on how people of different races can live together and work hand in hand towards bringing Malaysia to higher standards as a growing nation.
When our country was first established, our leaders of different races gathered and came out with a plan that is fair and suitable for all. We all speak Malay, honour our king and respect Islam as our national religion for it is the main religion on this land. If you go back to history, the Malay archipelago was the centre for Islamic studies and development from the the days of Parameswara, the founder of Malacca. So I guess we cannot sweep this part of history under our carpert.
As per The Star, national unity would be the biggest challenge for Najib, once he takes over the premiership from Abdullah in March 2009.
I feel that the solution is right in front of him with this proposal to have a single party. We do not have to wait till March for this to happen but maybe now would be the best solution considering what is happening to us in our country. We are lucky in a way that the global economy is being hit badly so it is kind of like diverting our attention to the bigger powers coming out with their bailout plans to bring back the peak of the global economy and to prevent any nasty effects of a recession.
The British devided us in the past to maintain the peace and to avoid racial conflicts. It wanted each of the races to grow stronger on their own independently and to cultivate unity within the party.
This was the past and Malaysia has grown by leaps and bounds to be at a new era right now with Malaysians of various races who have a strong relationship and with one another. Our Malaysian culture is so rich as a result of this fusion of people and different cultures of different races. There exist a dependency on each other to sustain national economic growth and enhanced quality of life. It wasn't yesterday that we became an independent nation and it has already been 51 years we have celebrated this feat.
In the streets, it is quite evident that there is a lack of confidence amongst Malaysians who are deeply troubled by the current political situation that is affecting our country and the feeling of beeing marginalised by the majority race. I am NOT intending to bring up any racist sentiments here but I feel it is something that most of us feel and are in doubt. We are deffinitely troubled by politicians who make racial remarks and gestures or hurtful statements for starters.
Some are suggesting that this is the time to escape this turmoil by migrating overseas. This is the worst thing that could happen and I so dread this if it has to happen to me. Some have already gone ahead in seeking permanent residentship overseas.
It is indeed difficult to leave our birth place and a place that we call home where we grew up. Somehow or rather, each of us Malaysians have contributed in some way to the nation. How will I survive without my curry mee, nasi kandar, sambal belacan and thosai? Haha!
