Better Days?

50 years have come and gone. How far have we come? Have we moved forwards or backwards as a nation?

Sure, we have built skyscrapers, had the tallest building in the world, made a fantastic new airport, developed lands, improved quality of lives for millions, opened up education centres which even attract overseas students, produced our own national care. The list could go own and on. But really, how far have we come, as one nation?

We are the envy of millions, a multiracial society living in harmony. We have Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs... 50 years ago we lived against one enemy. Our lands were invaded by the British. It was then that we bonded as one, as Malaysians, not as a Malay or Chinese or Indian, but as a Malaysian and succeeded in obtaining our independence.

But as those years have gone by, we have begun to forget about our history. About being Malaysian. We are more engrossed in 'waving our keris and using our keris', we are more into who is Muslim and who is not. What happened to being Malaysian?

Below is a clip I received in an email. I did not know about this issue until then. I was shocked to know that such things do go on in our country. It is not meant to fan the flames, I am a firm believer that religion should bring peace and harmony to one and all and not cause conflict. I believe that one should be free to choose. I am proud to be Malaysian.

It is time for a change. It is time for a new independence. As the big '5-0' approaches let us strive to achieve this. Let us strive to be 'MALAYSIANS' again.