WHENEVER August rolls around, we know what’s on everyone’s minds: Merdeka. I grew up thinking Merdeka is a day to be celebrated by all Malaysians, because on that day so many years ago, we gained our independence. But in the past two years, I’ve begun to learn that it’s not that simple.
For one, I never fully grasped until recently that Hari Merdeka, or at least the sentiment of freedom and independence accorded to the day, truthfully only applies to Peninsular Malaysia.
Malaya gained independence from British rule on Aug 31, 1957, but Sabah and Sarawak only joined the federation in 1963 along with Singapore. Sabah gained its independence from the British on the same day as Malaya, and Sarawak only formed self-government on July 22, 1963. So, on Aug 31, 1957, Sabah was not part of Malaya and Sarawak was not even independent at all.
So I believe we would understand our fellow citizens in East Malaysia better if we realised their past has been different from ours. Our history, though shared, is not the same and it does no one good to preach unity without first acknowledging the different paths which have been taken.
If we really want to be united, we need to know the foundation on which we stand.
I am grateful for the political will to recognise this through Malaysia Day, but even that only became a national holiday in 2010. So we cannot expect every Malaysian to capture, feel and celebrate the sentiment of Merdeka Day. At times, however, we expect everyone to just go with the flow, for that glossy sheen of a united front.
It’s selfish of us to think this way. We often assume that because the loudest voices live in Peninsular Malaysia, all things pertinent to the progress of our country happen there.
But that’s not true. Sabah and Sarawak, rich in natural resources, have played a pivotal role in the development of Malaysia as a nation. We have not given them enough credit.
In fact, sometimes I feel we have taken more than is fair, without adequate consideration for their well-being and progress.
The Malaysia we know today has been shaped by the talents, energies, lives and experiences of people on both sides of the South China Sea. If we truly want an example of diverse communities who have found a way to not only tolerate, but love one another, just talk to a Sabahan or Sarawakian.
I do not necessarily mean the politicians, influential industry players or business owners. You certainly don’t have to be prominent to know where real value lies, in fellowship, community and genuine conversations over kopi ping and roti kahwin.
If I had realised this earlier in life, it would have given me a greater appreciation for the miracle that is our country today. This revelation can only bring us closer together, for it creates a greater awareness of our past that can hopefully translate into solid action points for a stronger Malaysia.
Perhaps I only speak for myself, but I hope I speak for more. Malaysia is dear to me; I love my country, its communities and every culture that has woven its way into our land.
This Merdeka, my prayer is for a true spirit of unity, a spirit that withstands the stormy clouds of deceit and corruption looming in the distance, and that we will each hold in our hearts an untainted desire for righteousness, equality and justice for every Malaysian, no matter which side they are from.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
