MALAYSIANS, particularly Peninsular Malaysians, celebrate Merdeka (now called National Day) on August 31st, an important event that is supposed to remind them of the day then Malaya rid itself of British colonial rule and, in turn, became an independent country.

That was 67 years ago, and since then the people’s right to self-determination has brought about socioeconomic progress that has improved the living standards of a large segment of Malaysians.

In this regard, one could think of the rise of urbanisation and industrialisation, the many schools, colleges and universities, clinics and hospitals, the tolled highways that run through the length and breadth of the country, and the many skyscrapers and condominiums that have changed the urban landscapes, to name but a few.

But that’s only one aspect of the bigger picture.

It is, however, unfortunate that there are still stains of the colonial rule that seem difficult to wash off, the impact of which is felt in contemporary Malaysia by many ordinary people of various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

In particular, a united nation that was dreamt of by our forefathers has not been fully attained, while some would even contend that the goal has become worryingly elusive over the years.

The policy of divide and rule pursued by the colonial British, which had been lambasted by our political leaders in the past, has taken on an indigenous form.

Elements that polarise our multiethnic society manifest themselves in various degrees and forms. These can be found in, among other things, education, business, housing, the divisive politics of race and religion, and unequal application of the rule of law.

Why, even in this day and age, a certain government hospital, for example, still insists on patients revealing their ethnic and religious backgrounds on their registration forms. It is as if a patient would stand a better chance of surviving from a serious illness if he or she is of a certain ethnic origin. 

In other words, a difference in ethnicity and religion becomes an important marker for some people and institutions instead of an indication to celebrate our commonalities in diversity.

Indeed, these harsh realities are nothing new for many Malaysians. But just because they have become commonplace doesn’t necessarily mean that we ought to ignore them.

If anything, it is feared that not addressing this issue of social divisiveness from time to time may pose the danger of normalising it as if it is not wrong and unjust. It strains ethnic relations.

That is why it is disturbing that certain quarters in our society still feel that it is impractical, if not politically suicidal, if a political party, whose survival depends on the support of its ethnic demographics, chooses not to exploit race and religion.

For instance, Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin recently argued that making use of race and religion for the sake of gaining support among certain demographics was an outdated political strategy.

He said this presumably bearing in mind that rival Perikatan Nasional (PN) employs its unwavering strategy of winning the hearts and minds of the Malay-Muslim community, much to the chagrin of many non-Malays. 

The response to his suggestion was apparently lukewarm among party members. 

For Umno to take the path of PN,  it would mean the former having to outdo the latter in the ultimate goal of winning the Malay-Muslim votes. Where would this lead us to in terms of ethnic relations and national integration?

In the interest of national harmony and progress, shouldn’t there instead be a vigorous and conscientious push for the politics of inclusivity among politicians and leaders?

Shouldn’t a people of supposedly independent nation be united around the noble pursuit of nation-building and harmonious ethnic relations? 

To reiterate, it is a collective expectation of independent Malaysians to lead a prosperous and happy life. 

While living standards have generally improved over the years, certain obstacles, however, have held us back from achieving much more. 

For one thing, many people, especially the politicians, have been overly distracted by the politics of race and religion, away from such vital issues as good education, productivity, meritocracy and professionalism. 

The development and progress of independent Malaysia has also been impeded to some extent by the scourge of corruption. 

Many Malaysians, particularly the poor and the needy, have been deprived of a better life when funds meant to bring them out of poverty and suffering have instead been siphoned off by the crafty. 

More and well-equipped hospitals and schools, for instance, could have been built for the benefit of all Malaysians if the devious did not dip their dirty hands in the cookie jar. 

That is why it is crucial for Malaysians to unite around the mission of stamping out corruption. In this regard, freedom of expression is obviously vital in helping to check corruption. 

The corrupt, irrespective of their stations in life, must face the music. To be lenient with these wrongdoers is to be morally bankrupt, and we as a people should not go down that road. 

All Malaysians have a role to play in building a united and progressive nation that they well deserve. – August 31, 2024.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.