A nation that has lost its soul

At the end of this month we will be celebrating 52 years of nationhood. Instead of celebrating, we should be mourning. We should be mourning that in 52 years we have become a failed state. A failed state according to my definition is one where the institutions of law and governance including the media have become instruments and tools to keep the ruling elite in power and to silence and oppress those who oppose its hegemony.

We should be mourning not only because we have become a failed state but also our nation has lost its soul. The soul of a nation manifested itself in the vibrant social interaction among its people, celebrating and respecting each other differences whether in terms of culture and religion. Somewhere along the road beginning in the 70's our soul began to be impoverished by the constant refrain by the politicians of the need to defend the rights and religion of a certain race.

The soul has become so sick and departed. But I believe the majority of us still yearn for its revival and return. My belief is based on the responses to Art Harun's beautiful piece, 1Malaysia Dalam Kenangan. For those who are older or the same age as Art, it brings back memories of a time where truly we were 1Malaysia. For those who are younger and are recipients of some of those venomous racist policies and pronouncements, could only wish we were born earlier.

But instead of turning the clock back which is impossible, both the groups can and should channel all their energy towards bringing back the soul of our nation. It begins with me. I will begin to interact with another Malaysian as a Anak Bangsa Malaysia and not as a Malay, Chinese, Indian or dll. I will repent of my prejudices against those who are of a different race or religion.

The soul of our nation is lost but will be found.

Thank you Art Harun for causing me to begin this search.

And to all those who still want to divide us based on our race and religion, I can only say, "F*** Off!". You don't belong in this beautiful land, Malaysia.