BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ
Kedah Menteri Besar, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s remarks at a ceramah in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election was a real boiler, stoking racial tensions and sparking outrage by Malaysians across the board over what is perceived as racist hate speech.
Subsequently, police reports were lodged and the matter is now under investigation by the respective authorities and while the appeals of calm have been made, it must be stated in no uncertain terms that the fate of this nation must be decided only by Malaysians.
Therefore, it is not just Malays who decide the fate of this nation, but all Malaysians who hold citizenship in this country in order for there to exist a partnership of equals among the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians or the major races of this country.
It must be noted that anything short of this equality among the races would result in a travesty of justice, which is why it is of paramount importance for all major stakeholders in the country to come together and work together for all to benefit.
Distortions to the history of the country
The history, formation and existence of Malaysia since the British colonialists departed and granted us independence makes the background of this country unique and therefore there is often misunderstandings and confusion among Malaysians.
This is why the history of Tanah Melayu, Malaya and Malaysia must be read in its original context to understand fully and better the framework upon which this country was established without distorting the facts.
The issue now is the fact that in recent and modern times, there has emerged a spattering of historians who have revised and rewritten history which has confused and convoluted the actual history of this nation.
This is in bad taste and does no justice to anyone. Therefore, such manipulation of the facts by these fly-by-night historians must undergo checks-and-balance and the vetting and screening of fellow historians that are credible.
Bringing democracy to a full circle
While, on one hand, Malaysians must not live in the past, it is important to understand fully and rightly the actual, true origins of how this country evolved for everyone to understand its humble beginnings.
If Malaysians can get their understanding of the history of this nation right, it would, in one fell swoop, be easier for us to move together jointly forward as a Malaysian race and not being pigeon-holed along racial lines.
Why is this important? If the foundation of this country can be better understood by all Malaysians, there would no longer be sectarian bias and racial segregation in this country which is a much better scenario.
Instead of going by race and religion, implement all the tenets and obligations of democracy such as fair play, justice and meritocracy for Malaysians to enjoy a higher quality-of-life and live in a healthier, happier nation.
Forging a brighter and better future
The installation of the Madani government after the last general election has witnessed, at the same time, a new beginning for the nation, and the kindling of hope of fostering and forging a brighter, better future.
The turn of events took decades in coming and it was a hard fought victory for right thinking Malaysians which must not be frittered away but political mileage must be gained from this triumphant victory over many ills facing the country.
There was immediate relief when the Madani government came to power in Putrajaya and the gains made must be multiplied and the country rise up to play a leading role in this world by growing from strength-to-strength.
This is why Malaysians must give full backing to the Madani government that represents all races and all Malaysians and ensure they are fortified and remain in power until the need for change arises in this country.
**Christopher Fernandez calls upon all Malaysians to pay no attention to the accidents of birth such as race, religion and nationality and to stride powerfully forward as a Malaysian race to become a global powerhouse
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
(The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher)
