By M Santhananaban
Selamat Hari Merdeka and Hari Kebangsaan! Warmest National Day greetings and good wishes to commemorate this historic day.
Six decades ago, we were that much younger or, in the case of an overwhelming majority of the people of Malaysia, simply not yet born.
The peninsula was then the nascent Federation of Malaya – yes, somewhat divided, mainly dependent on rubber and tin for export earnings, and threatened by an internal insurgency. But it had a dignified and responsible people.
Ownership and control of business holdings was largely in foreign hands.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
We had an inspiring football team and our sports prospects seemed bright.
In February 1956, when the British agreed to grant the peninsula independence, they wanted the Malayan government to commit to ensuring that British firms here would enjoy the same levels of privilege and profit they were accustomed to.
The British also wanted the Federation of Malaya to commit to being at the forefront in the fight against communism. They also did not want the Malayan government to initiate or build relations with communist countries.
Even with these constraints, the newly independent nation was able, within five years, to turn itself into an oasis of peace and some prosperity with the promise of a reasonably bright future.
The government of Tunku Abdul Rahman was faithful to those commitments. The Tunku earned the trust of both the British and his own people although it meant suppressing wage demands and the wishes of his people in certain areas.
The Tunku’s government quickly earned a reputation for being competent, clean and clear-minded about responsible governance, fostering political stability, developing the country and achieving balanced growth. Rural development was prioritised.
Within three years of the peninsula gaining independence in 1957, the “emergency” proclaimed in 1948 ended. Confidence in the law-and-order situation in the country rose. Law enforcement authorities and the judiciary enjoyed well-earned respect. A local tertiary institution of solid standing was established. And a peaceful, transparent general election was held in 1959.
The regional environment for the fledgling Federation of Malaya was not ideal with its larger neighbours in the grip of lacklustre leadership.
We were then the shining sanctum of Southeast Asia, a relative area of calm and peaceful development. That, more than anything else, ensured the success of the Malaysia project. The formation of Malaysia in 1963 was our country’s greatest achievement, even if Singapore went its separate way two years later.
The Tunku’s administration was marked by its honest and modest leaders, and a measured approach to governance. It forged a strong sense of nationhood from what had been Britain’s commercial enterprise.
As we approach the 61st anniversary of Malaysia, we must be grateful for the peace and stability the nation has given us.
But we must be acutely conscious that resource-rich Sabah and Sarawak legitimately feel left behind in several ways.
Yet, these two regions embody the charm, character and spirit of the old Malaya under the Tunku, with their warm inter-communal and inter-religious relations.
Today, we increasingly harbour legitimate concerns about the quality of governance if the nation. We seem to have troubling levels of corruption. And we have not given enough attention to climate change, traffic congestion and growing pockets of religious extremism.
Our schools are not what they used to be in fostering national unity. Our quality of life is under threat from a lack of civic-mindedness, mutual trust and balance.
Our porous borders, particularly the Lahat Datu incident, show we have not minded our store well. We have had far too many scandals involving public spending, especially in defence. This affects our capacity to safeguard our sovereignty and security.
More attention needs to paid to enhance our overall national competitiveness. National unity and mutual trust have to be enhanced. And peace must be carefully maintained and nurtured further.
The peace, spirit and trust of those early days have to restored.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a retired Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
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
