● As Malaysia marks another year of independence, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to reject racial extremism, religious fanaticism, and narrow regionalism is a reminder that sovereignty is more than flying our own flag – it is about the values we uphold as a nation.
THIS week, Malaysia commemorated its 68th Malaysia Day – a moment of pride intertwined with deep reflection. From Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, from Penang to Putrajaya, Malaysians hoisted their flags, sang patriotic songs, and reminisced about the arduous journey that led us to this juncture. Amid the jubilant festivities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered a message that resonated deeply.
“It is imperative to eliminate racial extremism, religious fanaticism, tribalism, and narrow regionalism to safeguard the continuity of our sovereign and independent nation,” he emphasised during the national-level celebration at the Picca Convention Centre in Butterworth, Penang.
His words transcended mere ceremonial rhetoric; they served as a cautionary note – underlining that independence transcends the act of breaking free from colonial shackles to encompass the essence of contemporary self-governance.
Anwar’s message was unequivocal: independence was never about substituting colonial masters with local leaders of diverse ethnicities, only to perpetuate the same avarice and exploitation. Freedom was intended to emancipate us from oppressive structures, not to replicate them under a different guise.
Regrettably, there have been instances where we succumbed to this very pitfall. Instances of power misuse, entrenched corruption, and leaders thriving at the expense of ordinary Malaysians have tarnished our journey. This raises a poignant query: did we authentically liberate ourselves, or merely alter the faces at the helm?
Consequently, independence cannot be confined to an annual commemoration; it embodies a daily obligation – a perpetual endeavour to uphold justice, equality, and equity for all. Few perils loom as ominously over our nation as racial extremism and religious fanaticism. They pollute public discourse, corrode trust, and sow discord where understanding should prevail.
These perils manifest too frequently. Social media brims with toxic rhetoric, and during elections, certain politicians exploit race and religion for electoral gain.
While the immediate political advantage is evident, the long-term repercussions are profound: the gradual erosion of national unity. History attests that nations fragmented along such fault lines seldom prosper; they wither internally long before external threats materialise.
If Malaysia cherishes her sovereignty, renouncing extremism and fanaticism cannot be discretionary; it must be a collective, non-negotiable resolve.
Anwar’s caution against narrow regionalism strikes a chord particularly with Sarawak and Sabah. Regional pride is innate, and our quest for equitable treatment within Malaysia is justifiable. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) serves as a potent reminder that our voices and entitlements merit respect.
Nonetheless, pride should not degenerate into division. Narrow regionalism – pitting one region against another – nurtures suspicion and animosity, undermining the very essence of collaboration that binds Malaysia together.
Recently, attempts to discredit Sarawak and its leaders for asserting what is rightfully theirs under MA63 have surfaced. Such actions not only disregard the populace’s aspirations but also risk transforming a righteous cause into a wedge of disunity.
True unity transcends uniformity; it entails respecting disparities while collaborating towards common objectives. The ongoing decentralisation of power under MA63 underscores that fairness and unity can coexist – provided dialogue supersedes division.
Anwar also reminded leaders – both federal and state – that independence is hollow without good governance and inclusivity.
The era of colonial exploitation should have imparted this lesson long ago: when wealth is siphoned for the benefit of a select few, the majority languish. Malaysia must ensure that all citizens – irrespective of race, religion, or region – partake equitably in the nation’s advancement.
This necessitates leaders who are transparent, accountable, and guided by integrity, as well as policies that prioritise the populace over personal gain.
Economic inclusivity is equally pivotal. When a community feels marginalised, unity falters. Conversely, when opportunities are distributed justly, national pride burgeons.
Malaysia is on the cusp of a new growth trajectory propelled by technology, sustainable industries, and innovation. These are promising times. However, as the Prime Minister underscored, progress should not entail blindly emulating Western paradigms.
We aspire for advancement whilst preserving our cultural ethos and ethical compass. We seek innovation without compromising justice and ethics. Malaysia’s trajectory must be uniquely ours – blending modernity with tradition, progress with principle.
This equilibrium will set us apart as a nation and shield us from the soulless pursuit of affluence that has precipitated moral decay even in advanced nations.
As Malaysia commemorates another Malaysia Day, Anwar’s words must not be relegated to a mere speech – remembered fleetingly and forgotten swiftly. They serve as a mirror, compelling us to confront our essence and trajectory.
Independence is a privilege, but also a duty. Each generation must safeguard it not merely against external threats but also against the internal perils of extremism, corruption, and disunity.
The true gauge of our sovereignty lies not in the years since Merdeka, but in our treatment of one another. Do we perceive each other as adversaries or allies?
As strangers or brethren and sisters? Should we spurn the toxins of extremism and fanaticism, advocate for good governance, and pursue progress without forfeiting our values, then our independence will not merely endure – it shall flourish.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
