As we inch closer towards our next Merdeka celebrations, it's interesting how various debates have erupted around things pertaining to our identity as a nation.
The 'revamp' of our anthem, the 'keling' issue, the RPK spoof, the ICT fiasco, all poke at the fact that we are what we are - an insecure nation in the midst of an identity crisis as we head straight into a world that already has various neuroses of its own.
I am one for keeping our identity as honest as it can be. No sugar-coated Siti Nurhaliza version of what Malaysia is all about for me, thank you very much.
I prefer to remember my national anthem as the dignified version, despite its origins as an Indonesian joget song that fuelled the fire of the Konfrontasi. I loved every single proud beat of the tune, especially now that it serves as a reminder of the fact that our rulers at one point knew how to think on their feet (they were caught off guard without a state anthem, and plucked 'Oh Rosalie' out of the air - or so says some historians).
I prefer our national language to remain in tact, warts and all. Words that are derogatory are unpleasant, but serves as a reminder of a time gone by, where people were less enlightened and race was very much in your face. Remembering your past in its true form helps you avoid the pitfalls of repeating your mistakes in the future.
I prefer a society where one is allowed to call a spade a spade. Poking fun at ourselves via satire, no matter how painful it is, is better than absolute denial. It allows us to look at ourselves with a grain of salt, and in the light-hearted banter of theater, we can perhaps better see the problems that we need to solve.
As we head towards another celebration of our nation's birth/independence, I think about what the next year will hold for Malaysia. I hope that amidst all the fuss that keeps our mamak stalls lively with debates and discussion, comes some understanding of what it means to be Malaysian. Finally, I hope that this understanding is not limited to the few that in their disillusionment, choose to shy away from making the necessary changes that makes this my most favourite country in the whole world.
Posted by Najah Nasseri at 2003年08月06日 01:46 | TrackBackmalaysia is defined by her people.
by folk like you, me, the mamak around the corner, the cab driver, the kids who go to school, the hypesters of bangsar, the religious fundamentalists, the politicians, the crony, the business man driving his merc with his young mistress, the boys lepakking at dataran merdeka, the expats who work here, the disillusioned who rant and rave, the ones under ISA detention, the folk who work from 9 to 5, the sarong party girls of sultan ismail, the now unemployed vcd peddlers, the melayus, the chinks, the kelings, the lain-lains, the pakciks and makciks, the immigrants who chose to stay, the ones who emigrated, the new generation.
malaysia is defined by malaysians. nothing more.
Posted by: alphaque at 2003年08月06日 11:57Changes on world surrounding us cannot be avoided.A question on identity as one nation will always be a permanent issue throughout a lifecycle of a nation. The beauty is we have the oppurtunity to choose on what to become or maintain existing identity, provided it makes sense to our survival.
Posted by: Puteri at 2003年08月06日 12:17ye! ada! I've seen before at the beach club....
dont forget the taxi drivers cum pimps with their white shoes :)
Posted by: meesh at 2003年08月06日 17:46Aww.. you people are too sweet... :P
Anyway, people with skeletons in their closet shouldn't run for office. I prefer to be king maker. Any volunteers?
Posted by: Najah at 2003年08月07日 10:35Skeletons in closet can be vaccumed out! ;) heh but being maker is supér cool
Posted by: Sharizal Shaarani at 2003年08月07日 10:39King Maker like TUn perak ?
Okay then, Sharizal for PM...Njh as first lady...
Posted by: fooji at 2003年08月07日 13:11The original Negaraku was much better, and heck yes, keep the national language the way it is. I think most Malaysians would agree on this.
Calling a spade a spade ... now, that's a different matter. I don't think there is any easy way to ease Malaysians into this -- it's gotta be shock therapy.
Maybe ICT should do some shows in rural Malaysia?
Posted by: Aisehman at 2003年08月07日 17:19Assalamualaikum Najah,
Not many people understand the meaning of Merdeka.I have written a short note 5 years ago according my humble understanding. You are invited to read it at:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Coffeehouse/7939/NB980829.htm
why do people always never seem to fail to attack siti nurhaliza. what did she ever do to deserve such comments made against her. she may not speak perfect english, is no university graduate, comes from a kampung called kuala lipis. but she somehow manages to sing well, have albums that sell millions from some reason or other. and manages to carry herself well in public and personal life. why don't we see the good instead of the bad. i am not a big fan but give her a chance.
Posted by: Zylia at 2004年03月10日 11:15