I’ve put up a banner on the sidebar in support of Palmdoc’s campaign to call for the release of Dr Basmullah who was jailed for not registering his clinic in accordance with the PHSFA.

Thanks to Dr. George for passing the baton for the countdown to Merdeka Day 2007 to me. This project was started by Nizam Bashir to celebrate the 50th Independence Day of Malaysia. He started in September 2006 and, so far, 40 bloggers have contributed by blogging about what makes Malaysia special to them. It’s an impressive collection of blogs and I’m more than a little anxious, even intimidated, to be among such giants.

Malaysia is MY country. I have known no other country but I do not think that disqualifies me from telling the world why this beloved country is special to me. This is where I was born and lived all my life; as my father before me and his father before him and … for how many generations I don’t really know, but it’s at least five. I have lived in seven states in Malaysia, from the North to the South, East Coast and West Coast, even East Malaysia. I lived in cities and kampungs alike. I grew up here, trained here and I’m serving here. Traveling to all the the states in Malaysia, seeing all the wonderful natural world God created in this little country, I’d have to say that the more inspiring than that are the people of Malaysia. Err.. the wonderful tantalising variety of food comes in a close second place.

If anyone were to ask me what is the most amazing thing about Malaysia, I would not hesitate to say that it’s her diversity. There is a great diversity of ethnicity and cultures in this small population of 25 million. It’s a melting pot of the indigenous Orang Asli, the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese and the various local ethnic groups of Sabah (Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut etc.) and Sarawak (Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and various Orang Ulu ethnic groups). What’s amazing is the fact that each brings its culture and beliefs to make up the diversity in Malaysia.

Even within each ethnic group, there is great diversity between the various sub-groups. For example, Malays of Kelantanese origin and Kedahans are diverse in many ways, most obviously the language. Not only are there Malays of the Malay Peninsular origin, but there are also plenty of Malays originating from the rest of the Malay Archipelago, such as Jawa, Acheh, Bugis and southern Thailand. Then there are Malays who have recently migrated from Indonesia. There are rural Malays and city Malays, who are obviously different in their outlook and priorities. Among the Chinese, various dialects and sub-dialects converge in this country. Hokkiens, Cantonese, Teochews, Foochows and Hakkas are some of the diverse groups of Chinese who make Malaysia their home. Likewise, the Indians and the various ethnic groups from the South Asian Sub-continent are just as diverse in this small peninsular.

Are we a nation?

The fact is Malaysia is not a homogenous society. The million dollar question is, “Are we one nation? Just the fact that we have all made Malaysia our home does not make us, by default, a “nation”. Coming from all over Asia, speaking so many languages, having so many contrasting beliefs…. after 50 years, have we actually become a “Malaysian nation”?

A “nation” is not only a geographical area bounded by its borders and filled with a group of people. This group should share some common characteristics in language, culture and IDENTITY. If a “nation” is defined as one ethnic group, we will obviously NOT be a “nation”. However, a “national identity” can still be forged in a multi-ethnic society such as ours. So the question that begs an answer is still, “Have we actually become a ‘nation’?”

To me “national identity” and unity are interlinked and inter-dependent. “Which comes first?” is a chicken and egg question. Both will grow together as long as all parties in the nation are willing to be included. As long as we are all proud to be called “Malaysian”, then the battle is half won. This identity should not only be used when we talk about ourselves in a foreign country, but also here in this country. All who are willing to call ourselves “Malaysians” and not differentiate among ourselves as this or that with hostile feelings will eventually become a part of this “Malaysian nation”.

Just looking around, it’s obvious that we are NOT YET a “Malaysian nation”. We still strongly identify ourselves by state, ethnic group, language, creed and class. Coming from a national school before, I agree with George that this was very obvious in the universities. Students gravitate to groups of their one race. They orientate their own juniors, eat among themselves, the choice where they live is influenced by racial lines. I do not blame the university for that state of affairs. To me this was inevitable, due to the different educational background of the students themselves and the seniors who perpetuate this “racial-bonding”.

How do we become a nation?

Now here’s what so special about this country: We have the opportunity to witness this “nation-building” process. We are part of this process ourselves. Each one of us has the opportunity to participate in the making of the “Malaysian nation” or “Bangsa Malaysia”. We have the opportunity to enjoy the diversity and contribute to making the “Malaysian nation” a reality. It’s a matter of our attitudes to the idea and our attitudes toward our neighbours. It’s walking the “unity” talk. What part can I do?

“Tak kenal maka tak cinta”. Remember this tagline from Visit Malaysia Year .. err.. I don’t remember the year. No matter… what it means is I’ve got to know Malaysia to love her. Teach your children history. And teach them to appreciate people… of all colour, class and creed. Teach them to understand the differences and appreciate the diversity.

Which brings me to… what better way to do that than to be a good example? I’m here. Now. I’m part of this nation-building process. Are you? If not, what part are you playing?

Thanks for reading. You may now go back to your nasi lemak and teh tarik.

A very meaningful Merdeka to you in 10 weeks’ time. May the spirit of Merdeka be in our hearts throughout the year.

Oopps… i forgot to tag. Let me pass this baton to Labyrinth. An academician might have some fresh views to offer? You’re counting down to 9 weeks from Merdeka … on 6th July 2007.

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Added:

Here’s the complete list of countdown posts to Merdeka, compiled by Nizam Bashir:

Posts so far - 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32,31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10 (you just read it)

God bless Malaysia.