I think perhaps what they thought then was that it was better that they learn how to live together despite the differences to achieve a greater goal - freedom from colonialism. They knew that it was better to live together despite the differences than to live under the tyranny of the colonialist. I believe it was the pragmatism of our forefathers and their desire for freedom that bind us together. Our forefather realised that WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER.
More than 50 years have passed, we grew from knowing each other a little to knowing each other a little more. Many true friendships were built between people of different colours, many heart-warming stories were written in this short history of the nation. Malaysians have grown to respect and love each other. Like it or not, we are and will still be stuck with each other, because WE ARE STILL BETTER TOGETHER, for freedom from the tyranny of the government and most importantly for a better future. So live with it, enjoy it, and love it. Our differences made us uniquely Malaysian. Our differences have created such love and attachment towards our homeland no matter how far we are (best demonstrated by Bersih held in 75 cities around the world).
Indeed, there is still a small group of people that think that it is better to divide the country than to unite it. They incite hatred and misunderstanding between different groups of communities. They burnt effigies in anger and hurl racist remarks one after another. In response to this, I am reminded of this quote from Martin Luther King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can do that."
Therefore, let us choose to love even the racist Malaysians of the red rally, let us pray that one day their eyes will be opened to see what's important to the nation. Let us refrain from racial-stereotyping remarks lest we pass that down to the next generation. Let us instead of complaining about racial divide, be the bridges that connect different communities. It is indeed a long and rough road ahead but I pray that we'll all do our parts to ensure Malaysia will continue to be a land that all Malaysians proud to call home.
Once again, my fellow Malaysians, Happy Malaysia Day!
p/s: This is one of my favourite photos of the year with other young DAP comrades in a Buka Puasa event. We are bind together by our dream for a better Malaysia.
