There is no use in bragging about iconic structures or national landmarks when the people are stuck in a captive mindset that seeks to divide communities.
As Malaysians celebrate the nation’s 66th Independence Day tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for all Malaysians to embrace a new chapter in the nation’s proud history, and to also “Merdekakan” (free) their spirit and minds.
In a televised speech this afternoon, Anwar, wearing a batik shirt, stressed that the spirit of Merdeka is also about ensuring fairness, while adhering to the tenets of the Federal Constitution that guarantees the rights of all Malaysians.
“Merdeka is about being free of a certain mindset. We are free today, Alhamdulillah … but our challenge is to preserve the peace and harmony we now enjoy,” said Anwar at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
In his 30-odd-minute speech, Anwar gave a brief history lesson about the meaning of independence, and touched on several incidents that rocked this Southeast Asian nation’s sovereignty, including the 2013 Lahad Datu, Sabah, intrusion by Sulu insurgents.
In thanking the security forces for holding the line, Anwar said, “We will defend every inch of our nation”.
This was no doubt, in response to China’s territorial claims represented in a recently-released map, which sees its territory encroaching into Sabah and Sarawak waters. Several countries, including regional superpower India “strongly protested” China’s territorial claims, which also showed India’s north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and the disputed Aksai Chin plateau, as China’s territory.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called China’s claims “absurd”. Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry is preparing a statement on the matter.
“This unity (in Malaysia) belongs to every rakyat … Of course, there are some issues with regard to administration. Do not use power to enrich yourselves, your families, and your cronies,” Anwar said.
“Our problem is not the differences between the races and religions. No one should question the provisions in the Federal Constitution, like the use of Bahasa Melayu, the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras, and the sovereignty of our royal institution.
“We will adhere to the social contract … to allow people to practise their faiths freely. We will defend the right of every citizen of this blessed nation.”
Anwar added that Malaysians had a choice – to either “continue harping about political differences, or start moving forward by working together and restoring our dignity”.
Anwar’s ‘unity’ government has been trying to counter Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) unrelenting political narratives – often centred around race, religion, and the royalty.
The PN coalition, comprising Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Pas, and Gerakan, had made inroads in the Nov 19 General Election and the Aug 12 state polls.
“Malaysia can’t be known just for its tall structures, long bridges, and big malls … it should be recognised for its sense of fair play, and justice for all, not just the select few.
“In October, all schools in Malaysia … national schools, vernacular schools, … all public schools, will have basic infrastructure. This is more meaningful to the millions of parents and students, than the iconic landmarks and big malls,” Anwar said, in an apparent dig at former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was known for his fondness of mega structures and mega projects, like the Penang Bridge, and the Petronas Twin Towers, during his first stint as prime minister, that lasted 22 years.
Anwar admitted that it was not easy managing a nation that has many races and religions, as every statement could be misconstrued.
“What’s the use of Merdeka if our minds and spirit are still shackled by old-fashioned, archaic thinking? We need a new spirit.
“Merdeka 2023 is a new chapter. It’s no longer about ‘Merdekakan rakyat’ (like in 1957)… it’s about ‘Merdekakan’ the spirit and minds of the people,” he said.