By M Santhananaban
Warmest greetings and best wishes for the 61st anniversary of the formation of Malaysia.
The formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 was of epochal significance because the original Federation of Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah came together to form a much larger land mass.
Despite the majority residing in the peninsula, Malaysia established itself as a prominent nation with notable pluralism.
It was the harmony, high-mindedness and remarkable respect for the leadership of our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, that enabled the young nation to evolve into something grander – a viable, diverse nation with expanded resources.
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It was a peaceful progression that gave the nation gravitas, a greater personality, vitality and visibility in what is currently the world’s most important international waterway.
We have acquired an unobtrusive but strategic presence, but our full potential has not yet been realised. Remember, Singapore (part of Malaysia for just 23 months) and Brunei have achieved spectacular stability, growth and per capita incomes.
Still, Malaysia has made significant advancements in education, health, infrastructure, rural development and poverty reduction.
In social cohesion and understanding in the federation, Sabah and Sarawak are somewhat free of the problems that plague the peninsula. The communities in Sabah and Sarawak have a laudable spirit of acceptance, friendship, unity and understanding.
In contrast, the once harmonious peninsula of the Tunku’s era has turned into a domain of distrust and division with pockets of extremism. Certain quarters are involved in an unceasing, unrelenting attempt to dictate, dominate and divide. Politicians seeking power and influence are sidelining the voices of moderation and mutual respect. Explosive ethnicity issues and growing conservatism in religious injunctions seem to undermine any hope for inclusiveness, integration and increased mutual trust.
Leaders who promote inclusive governance – like the Tunku, Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Hussein Onn, Fuad Stephens, Khir Johari, Adenan Satem and even Rafidah Aziz – are becoming rare.
The path we should emulate is the one set by these leaders and the communities of Sabah and Sarawak. The peninsula must regain the moral high ground it demonstrated in Malaysia’s early days with leaders of integrity, inclusiveness and moderation.
Malaysia has to reinvent itself to provide a respectable place for all its people, regardless of their origin and partialities. In today’s competitive world, we can’t waste time arguing about people’s love and loyalty for the nation.
Any attempt to intimidate or injure the feelings of any community and insinuate that someone is less than loyal must be stopped.
The government must concentrate on strengthening national unity, trust and understanding and focus on educational and economic priorities to enable us to become a resilient and respected nation.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former 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
