| Written by Chua Sue-Ann |
| Monday, 30 August 2010 12:00 |
Let this year’s Merdeka Day celebration spark a new national discourse on rewriting the Malaysian script so that it focuses on our “common humanity”, says Lembah Pantai member of parliamant (MP) Nurul Izzah Anwar of PKR.
In an email interview, Nurul Izzah, 30, speaks about the crucial need to replace the old national script, which continues to dwell on the spectre of inter-communal strife, and says politicians should not stand in the way of promoting patriotism and nationalism.
Below are her answers to our Merdeka Day questions.
What, to your mind, should be the next major goal for Malaysians?
We need a new script to follow, as the old script continues to play on the bogeyman of inter-communal strife and Malay insecurities… To achieve this, we need a new era of constructive engagement involving all stakeholders to chart a new script based on the principles of a modern, progressive economy and the ideals of our founding fathers.
Our country has lost its competitiveness. It has become more risky and less attractive for foreign investment. Foreign investments are crucial for development and prosperity as we cannot rely solely on domestic-led investments.
Economic reforms are a prerequisite, but not sufficient, to achieve the performance of a high-income economy. Civil reform is a necessary step.
In today’s borderless world, what does independence mean to you?
Independence, in a democratic and pluralistic society, means freedom in all forms as dictated by our constitution… We must look forward. We must be allowed to pursue our dreams and fulfil our potential as a people and nation that has historically been inclusive and diverse.
In fact, diversity is our nation’s foundation and it is this diversity that will make us stronger and help us grow as a proud and prosperous nation.
What is your idea of nationalism and national cohesiveness?
Our identity must be Malaysian. Our interest must be the Malaysian interest.
By celebrating our differences, we can then frame a new national script that will make us a more humanistic nation. At the core of our ethnic existence lies our common humanity, which must be our reason for a common identity and polity that is Malaysia.
Rhetorics aside, we need all these ideals to be translated into action. Politicians should lead the charge, not stand in the way of promoting true patriotism and nationalism.
Is Malaysia heading in the right direction as a society? What would you change about the national outlook?
Political tension and temperature are rising due to the irresponsible play, by certain groups, on Malay insecurities. We must not allow “ultra” views to gain mainstream support or we might regress to tribalism and feudalism. My vision is for Malays to rise as a confident society.
The real debate should be about how, after 53 years of independence, the Malays have come to perceive themselves as being more insecure, disadvantaged and under siege. Why have the numerous government policies intended to create a more equitable and just society, but now undermined by corruption and institutional abuse, been allowed to continue unchallenged?
This is the national outlook or consciousness that I would like to see change. (I would like for us to think that) we can be truly independent, because there is hope which lies in the hearts of all Malaysians.
What are Malaysia’s prospects for the next generation?
The outlook is bright and promising. We are witnessing an unstoppable generational shift, a new consciousness brought about by… [a] movement of a new Malaysian generation (driven) by the information age.
No longer are we blinded or misled by propaganda and mere rhetoric. We understand political theatrics as we see it. We feel empowered and have the God-given right to chart our own future by writing our own Malaysian script. We sense that the tide of history is on our side.
We are optimistic and ever hopeful that this new generation is on the edge of a new beginning. All we have to do is believe and just do the right thing.
What is your wish for Malaysia this Merdeka Day?
My wish is for all Malaysians to stand up and claim our right to live in the spirit of Merdeka. That’s all we have to do now as we face the grumblings and crumbling of the old order.
This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, August 30 2010.
