IT was May 14, 1969, when a group of ‘UM freshies’ or new First College students were marched to Universiti Hospital to donate blood needed in large quantities. But, we did not know why so much blood was needed, and neither did we actually need to know.

There was full radio and TV silence so we did not know an Emergency had been declared. We were only told there was a dire need for “blood donors.” So, we marched there, donated blood, and coined the term, “paksa-rela” to mean, “How we were involuntarily volunteered but still uninformed!”

Therefore, we did all share blood for the sake of this nation-state we call home. We were Iban, Kadazan, Malay, Chinese and Indian. Eighteen of us were RMC classmates, and did a voluntary night brigade to guard the hostel while others slept. Idealism was well and very much alive then.  After all, we were Malaysians 1.0!

Malaysia 2.0

On May 9, 2018, we the Malayans clearly voted for a New Merdeka.  We can now replace the story we used to say about May 13, 1969. We are the grandparents’ generation, and can tell the story of May 9, 2018; and how all Malaysians voted for a true blue Malaysia Baru.

Merdeka 1.0 was given to us on a silver platter, and most of us, except soldiers and innocent victims of the 1948-60 war against militant communism and the Second World War, did not shed blood through war.  But, eventually, on Aug 31, 1957, we gained that first Merdeka!

Merdeka 2.0 was when Malaya expanded to become Malaysia; with the voluntary inclusion of three more states to become a new nation called Malaysia 1.0. Sabah and Sarawak became part of the new Malaysia! Unfortunately, it was not a mature democracy; as there were some older and younger family members, and some had more rights than others. Malaya trumped East Malaysia.

To me, Merdeka 3.0 is the story of our dreams.  We, the true blue Malaysians, who call ourselves Malaysians First, peacefully and calmly voted to make change happen. It happened despite all odds, and almost no one predicted it. Best of all; the incumbents did not know what hit them so hard!

All Merdeka Malaysians witnessed the abject failure of the former Government to grow that national and multi-ethnic unity. Instead, they deployed race and religion to divide and steal from us. Therefore, May 9 has become a new and different Merdeka for the sake of our grandkids.  Change that corrupt regime we did!

This “new” is more than a black and white worldview; it is ever so much more. It is a new and different rainbow-coloured worldview of hope!  We need to learn to fully appreciate this nature and full implications of the new colours; and their new shades and hues!

Malaysia 3.0

We need a new strategy to recover and sing again the older song: “Malaysia Kita Sudah Berjaya!” The older military façade must change, and multiculturalism with equality of ethnicities must become the new focus. But this time it becomes our own song; a song of the heart for all Malaysians. This can become the new patriots’ song and the older storyline seems to capture that spirit.

We delivered that real new Merdeka; a free and newer space for all Malaysians. Therefore, too, we can all fly our Jalur Gemilang again, because, in fact, I had stopped flying it some years ago!

We simply need to give Sabahans and Sarawakians some time and space for their own new government to self-correct some mistakes of their older Merdeka Generation.

Some of them became “filthy rich,” while many others remain in abject poverty. Malaysia 2.0 cannot have two classes of citizens. We are only one nation and must remain so. After all, we all bleed red, regardless of race, religion or social standing. – June 23, 2018

* KJ John worked in public service for 32 years, retired, and started a civil group for which he is chairman of the board. He writes to inform and educate, arguing for integration with integrity in Malaysia. He believes such a transformation has to start with the mind before it sinks into the heart!

* 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.