Learn to belong to one another

My dearest Malaysia, I have been pondering the essence of belonging to you. I believe my journey towards understanding this began at home, where no one clung to the rigid racial script. My Chinese grandparents encouraged me to speak Bahasa Melayu with precision, while my Malay father from Langkawi insisted on my fluency in Hokkien and English.

In this linguistic tapestry, it became evident that everyone's cultural responsibilities were equally cherished. This home was where I first grasped the concept of belonging. It was not through a flag or anthem, though these would undoubtedly hold significance later. It was in the shared living space, where diverse languages, histories, food, and opinions coexisted harmoniously.

No one labelled it multiculturalism; it was simply our home. Malaysia, we have come a long way since 1957. The images of our young nation, a new flag, and the inspiring word "Merdeka" resonate deeply. But 69 years later, our tribute to those pioneering generations should extend beyond remembrance. They answered a pivotal question of their era: Who should shape the future of this country?

Their answer was affirmative – "We." Our current query is more complex: What kind of nation will we create with this newfound freedom? Independence does not equate to universal contentment. A nation may gain independence while some of its members remain disenfranchised. Freedom to pursue dreams, irrespective of location or lineage, and freedom to express disagreement without being questioned, are prerequisites for true liberty.

Above all, every Malaysian should feel that their country belongs to them as it does to others. This is a more arduous Merdeka, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved thus far. We united a nation fractured by geography, ethnicity, religion, and history, creating a shared home. This journey has been imperfect, noisy, occasionally exasperating, but it was accomplished collectively.

Building a cohesive society necessitates compromise, curiosity, and recognizing that no community possesses sole rights to define what it means to be Malaysian. Yet, love should not demand ignorance. You, dear Malaysia, have scars. There are children whose destinies are prematurely influenced by their birthplace. Malaysians striving diligently yet feeling marginalized.

Communities that might perceive national progress as more impressive in rhetoric than reality. We must voice these concerns without being accused of disloyalty. Mature patriotism entails expressing affection without overlooking flaws. It means loving a country, acknowledging its imperfections, and choosing not to abandon it to its shortcomings.

And yet, I am acquainted with another Malaysia. My adult life has been largely in healthcare, and hospitals have offered profound insights into your nature. Illness transcends racial or ethnic boundaries. Fear resonates universally across languages. And when a loved one is in distress, the identity of the nurse tending to them matters less than the fact that someone is providing care.

I have witnessed the interconnectedness of our people, regardless of their backgrounds. In Malaysia, the headlines rarely reflect this reality, but I believe it embodies a more authentic representation of you. Dear Malaysia, our journey is far from complete. Neither is the pursuit of independence. Each generation must safeguard its sovereignty, and the nature of threats evolves with time.

Today, sovereignty is less under threat from foreign military presence marching through our streets. Instead, challenges arise subtly: economic reliance, technologies we utilize but do not own, data we generate without control, knowledge we consume but do not create. This does not advocate isolation. We must remain open to international trade, investment, ideas, and technology.

However, openness and dependence are distinct concepts. This could be our generation's Merdeka: to engage with the world confidently while preserving our autonomy to chart our future. Countries are not inherited treasures. They do not maintain independence merely because a previous generation secured it. Each generation inherits Malaysia temporarily, tasked with deciding what to build, protect, refuse to relinquish, and transmit to future generations.

Malaysia, what do I envision for you? Not perfection. I yearn for your confidence in accommodating all your citizens. The courage to confront past shortcomings honestly, and the wisdom to recognize that our differences are not weaknesses. The act of raising the flag is straightforward, yet constructing a nation where every Malaysian perceives it as their own is the more formidable task.

The essence of Merdeka was not solely about belonging to us; it was about learning to belong to one another. Happy Independence Day, Malaysia. With love, One of your own. P.S. Malaysia, refrain from drastic changes. Only address the aspects we both acknowledge require improvement.