Unpatriotic Patriotism

As independence day approaches, the streets are lit with bright neons marking how near we are to the day it all started. Alleys are filled with banners that read the idea that many thought would never come. "Merdeka!", as Tengku put it, lives strongly in the hearts of many Malaysians especially of the older generation who lived to tell. Malaysians find this glorious day more than just a mundane holiday. It is a true compilation of a journey built on blood, fears, tears and courage. Merdeka was a new glimpse of hope.

I have strong feelings for her, not because I am old but due to the simple virtue of patriotism. O' Lord, I don't even know whether I can consider myself one. So, before the 31st passes and I start putting aside the significance of it by burying myself with everyday responsibilities, allow me to pen down a few thoughts before it slips my mind.

Malaysia, once a glorious nation and an ASEAN economic powerhouse, was a role model for many developing Asian countries. She was a country that saw speedy GDP growth as well a vibrant life. The young nation was the world's leader in tin mining as well as the owner to the world's tallest building before being overtaken by Taipei 101. It is renowned for a world class infrastructure. With that in mind, this is a nation blessed not only with natural resources but also with the potential of realizing the affluent dream. But, that was history.

The present Malaysia despite being mighty by appearance is crippled by rampant corruption and shameless scandals that relate not only to national security but to the whole economic wellbeing as well. It really pains me to see a country like this reduced into such a state. Coupled with incompetency, negligence and arrogance of the government, citizens are often disappointed and upset with the administrative abilities the government has to offer. In the light of this, one might be able to comprehend the gravity of such helplessness when he/she walks into governmental agencies. These limbs of the government are known to be slow as well as inefficient with their responsibilities to the extent that there is no essence of co-operation within the agencies. Many times, department A finds that they can't process documents without department B's approval and thus refers the poor man to the latter only to find that both of them can't do shit. The public sector is too rigid and has too many protocols in them that they find themselves in a straightjacket. I am often overwhelmed with such awe that my jaws need to undergo surgery once every month.

Money makes the world go round and bribery is very much the problem in Malaysia. It might seem that this is they only way to keep the stagnant system moving. Moving away from the government, I often have visiting foreigners who are friends of mine that would not rest without complaining about how unscrupulous traders and cabbies can be. What ever happened to public order? Who's to blame? I'm very certain that there are those who are more responsible than others but if you are looking for the guilty, you need only look into the mirror.

So, as for me, I will work for the Malaysian dream I've always believed in. As to the fate of my beautiful nation, I leave it with trust to the ruling party with a stern warning that the given authority should never be abused or face judgement from the people, by the people. May you live up to the legitimate expectations expected from you and make the nation that I'm prepared to bleed for strong again. It is time to revive the potentials of our motherland.

Selamat Hari Kebangsaan. Keranamu, Malaysia.