Merdeka Thoughts

You know its that time of the year again, when buildings (mostly public ones) are spruced up and the Jalur Gemilang makes an appearance. I mean independance day.

And after more than forty plus years what really has Malaysia achieved. The report card will indicate that we have done relatively well in developing our nation from an economic viewpoint. Poverty is neligible and life is o.k. for the average Malaysian. Good marks can also be given for the political stability that has enabled us, Malaysians, to carry on doing our own thing without the interruptions seen in other developing countries. But, for all these achievements, the report card had a prominent "red" mark entered.

Yes, we have failed miserable to bridge the racial divide. We are only "Malaysians" for form filling purposes or when overseas. Otherwise its still "we" and "them" or "they" and "us". Our politics is race-based, our primary schools are race-based, our universities are polarised and the list goes on.

So, spare a thought come August 31 on this matter. The realisation of Bangsa Malaysia.

This has been my dream since 1957 when as a Form 3 boy I stood at the Melaka padang and watched the Union Jack being slowly lowered. And ever the optimist, I have not given up. I have taught my children to see beyond race in their dealings with fellow Malaysians and they have or will teach their children in turn.

When I heard my 5 year old grand daughter, Sara, of mixed parentage (malay/chinese), answered, "I am English" when asked "What are you?" I knew that there is a future yet for Malaysia.