After leaving the country to come to a foreign place to further my studies, I have thought about the difference between where I am now to where I was born and bred. Of course, there will be mixed comments and thoughts on this one. For example, some of you might say, "Don't come back again!" or maybe some of you might say, "You should serve the country". No matter what happens, I feel that at some point, it's good for me to return something back to the country which has shaped me for who I am now.
I mean, what's important is that we have an identity to fall back on, like it or not. We are what we call, "Malaysians". Besides, the 5 things that would create our identity is our national flag, our national coat-of-arms, our national song, our national language, and of course, our national pledge (rukun negara). Yes, the one that we use to dread every Monday during our assembly. Nonetheless, it still represents who we are. At least, if people asks me where I'm from, I'm proud to say, "I'm from Malaysia, mate". OK, maybe the last bit needs to be scraped off.
I've seen many Malaysians saying things like, "I'm Malaysian Malay", "I'm Malaysian Chinese", "I'm Malaysian Indian", etc. for their introduction. I don't see the unity here. Aren't we all considered "Malaysians"? Is there a further separation amongst ourselves here? Where's the unity as a nation? Of course, some of you might say that the word "Malaysian" sounds to "Malay-ish". Isn't that discriminating? More like stereotyping. Not all Malays are bad, lazy, etc. I could find Chinese and Indians alike too. Alright, this issue might get too sensitive so I'm gonna leave it here.
What I'm trying to say here is that as we are living in the same country which has brought us so many fond memories e.g. late night mamaks, clubbing hot spots, DJ Tiësto, foosball, Asia Cafe, etc. therefore, we should not have 'specific' labels for one another. Oh, not to mention the nice beaches that I've enjoyed with my friends, and what about all the hot people (guys and girls)? Ramli burgers, durians... I'm telling you, the list is endless. I mean, we all enjoy these things together, and when something goes wrong, e.g. recession, we all suffer together. It's only how well we deal with the problems that arise. The main action is to act with the mind and not through our emotions. Clearly, that has been the problem. Imagine, if we all work with our mind, wouldn't it be a positive step up for all of us? Yes, it's impossible to achieve such a huge task but we ALL have to start trying. Vision 2020 is now but a whisker's away but if things are like the way it is now, it will be like the width of the ocean.
(Don't ask me why I chose Amber Chia but hey, she's considered an Asian hottie)
My friends come from all walks of life, different backgrounds, different cultures but it's good to see that we can all go out and have a good talk over a nice glass of 'sirap limau ais'. This is a mind-set which I would praise, without doubt. If anyone out there still stereotypes others, use your mind. The specialty we have as humans is the mind. If we act through emotions, what difference are we to animals? Don't put the blame on the government, but start shaping the way you think. It's not always that the government work for the best of others. They are trying to work for the better of everyone in the country but there will definitely be pot holes and thorns near and far in between. Be patient.
Currently plugged in to: Lost Prophets - Can't Catch Tomorrow
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