Independence From ... ?

Everybody is wishing each other 'Happy Independence Day'. In two (2) days' time, we'd be celebrating the big day, in comemoration of the historical day. A historical day so important that it's a crime if Malaysians can't remember the day in which we were liberated from British rule in 1957. A crime punishable by the retraction of citizenship perhaps?

Historical aspect aside, Malaysians have encountered many issues that have been bothering the nation as we grow older. Race and religion being the most outstanding issues that continue to trouble us as we hope for a united nation in the country called 'Malaysia'. Why these two subjects continue to be raised every now and then? The reason being that our rights as Malaysians are ultimately associated to who we are. There's certain privileges that certain race enjoys while another race enjoys a stripped down version of the privileges. As we go towards becoming a developed nation, our 'race' should be 'Malaysian'.

Privileges aside, we have encountered race and religion bigotry. Certain groups would go at great lengths to raise issues that would raise the ire of the various race and religions. Take for example, the recent fracas surrounding the relocation of a temple to another residential area. Is there anything criminally wrong for a temple to be sited in a housing estate? Where is the tolerance that has been the constant rhetoric of political parties? If it's wrong to gather with the severed head of a sacred animal to protest the relocation, where are the cops when you need them? Is there a conspiracy between these two parties? Otherwise, why are the cops quick to be present only at People's Alliance's gatherings?

If the people are to be united, could we have housing developers construct places of worship for the three main religions of Malaysia? Could they exist side by side, as illustrated by historical places such as the famous street in Malacca where Buddhist & Hindu temples and a mosque are sited side by side? Could we return to that part in time where the people of various religions lived together harmoniously? Do we need politicians to create disharmony amongst the peace loving rakyat?

Race and religion aside, corruption continues to deny basic rights and justice to the people. It is so endemic that a day without corruption is like something amiss. Businesses need to be 'facilitated', licenses need to be 'facilitated', offence summonses need to be 'settled', etc. Is it possible for a country to be run with minimum corruption? I don't believe it's possible. Even if not requested for, 'gifts' are given as tokens of 'appreciation'. Should only gifts without monetary value be given? Are the government servants and public sector strictly following the various anti-corruption policies? Even the justice system belongs to those who can afford it. Yes, justice can be bought. Yes, that is also corruption.

As we celebrate Independence Day in a muted form this year due to the H1N1 scare, we should reflect on these few critical issues that have continued to strike feelings of disgust in the citizens of Malaysia, and strive towards a country that is free of corruption and racial/religious polemics.

The country should not accept foreigners as citizens just to ensure the political support of oneself. The country will suffer because of the migration of outsiders into this lovely country. There are many things that we should be independent of. When we are liberated one day, then we can truly appreciate the meaning of independence...