Today, 31 August, people in Malaysia celebrate the peninsula’s independence and Sabah Day with songs, parades and greetings that are truly enchanting.
Soul-inspiring expressions of national hope and unity cut across racial and religious barriers.
But we are also witnessing a troubling situation in an Asean sister nation, Indonesia. Fast-spreading protests have swept across the nation, plunging it into perilous circumstances that are of concern to a watching world.
What are the lessons here for Asean? More so, what can people in Malaysia learn from the Indonesian plight?
At the core of the troubles besieging Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s government is political and economic discontent. At stake are the principles of equality – equal opportunities, equal rights and equitable policies – and how they are perceived or felt by the masses.
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In these economically perilous global times, governments like Malaysia need to comprehend and address people’s daily hardships.
Political rhetoric, threats and empty promises will do little to defuse a volatile situation.
Such a situation calls for policies and actions that do not exploit racial or religious sentiment or resort to political showmanship.
Malaysia must immediately take decisive action against all forms of political jostling that exploit racial and religious sentiments.
The nation’s future rests heavily on the shoulders of politicians and their appointed leaders and their commitment to the public wellbeing.
If politicians in Malaysia cannot be disciplined or are unable to advance national unity, they may push the nation into a vulnerable corner.
They have to pay attention to public discontent – between the various ethnic groups, along religious lines, over wealth distribution, over access to affordable, immediate access to healthcare.
They need to tackle our failing education system, the difficulties in finding decent affordable homes, and the deep-seated culture of corruption.
All these and many other problems are present, even growing. Mind you, this is happening despite the nation having five different prime ministers in the last few years.
Meanwhile, the songs that ring out over this year’s celebrations in Malaysia capture the heartfelt hopes of the people – irrespective of race, religion, social standing and economic situation.
That hope for a better future cannot keep moving with changing goal posts. Indonesia has proven the fundamental truth of this principle.
Military power is not the political solution, as Myanmar has proven, most unfortunately.
Yet another Asean member is facing uncertain times with the removal of its prime minister.
Building a nation through heavy-handed policing as a political response in troubling times will not work either.
Instead, leadership, courage, compassion and determination are needed. Winning the hearts and minds of the people is the panacea.
Malaysian politicians had better realise that the nation cannot afford a fallout like what’s happening in Indonesia now. We are a small nation and any damage would be serious.
Asean needs to grow out of its safe indifference of ‘no meddling with sovereign matters’. It needs to come to terms with a forceful, uniting Southeast Asian confederation of nations to strengthen the principles of sound politics, sound economies and prosperity for the entire Asean fraternity. This is the only way it can counter the strong tides of vested geopolitical interests.
This 31 August, I pray my country Malaysia will transform itself and rise as a beacon of hope and unity in Asean.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
