It’s been 66 years since we were free from colonialism, and it is #Malaysiakita where people of various races and religions live peacefully and united in Malaysia. And every Malaysian needs to appreciate the value of independence as history mirrors our future.
One Malaysian, Nurul Ashiqin Shamsuri founder of Project Fearless, lived overseas for many years and travelled to more than 50 countries but still finds #Malaysiakita the most excellent place to live in.
She has represented Malaysia at international conferences, said: “I can honestly tell you that this world has no perfect country. There are many people out there who see our country as a great nation despite having so many different races and religions. We can co-exist and, you know, there is no war, there is no big chaos here in Malaysia,” she said in her recorded (19/8/23) TikTok which is going viral.
Nurul, who got more than 340 comments for TikTok video (4.14 minutes), said: “Do you know the horrible things happening in other countries? So, this is our asset as a country. In conjunction with the Merdeka month, it reminds you to think again and remember what we have achieved as a country and our goal as Malaysians. And I hope we do not allow any of the hatred that divides us to spread. Because if we lose what we have, the peacefulness, the unity and everything, we will have much to regret.”
Speaking about #Malaysiakita, Nurul added in the Tik Tok: “I hope that, you know, my sharing today is useful, and I hope that, you know, Negara Malaysia continues to be safe, prosperous and peaceful. This is our prayer. So, to all of you, Happy Merdeka celebrations.”
Nurul was also Project Director for Yayasan JUWITA and Regional Forum Director for World Communication Forum Davos – Kuala Lumpur. She graduated with a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons) from Mara University of Technology (Kuala Lumpur) in 2006. She later joined NCL Solutions Sdn Bhd as Sales Manager. While with NCL Solutions, she gained international business experience by working in a few countries and regions like Greece, China, South East Asia and the Middle East.
In her TikTok video, she observed that during the recent GE15 and six state elections: “We have a concerning trend of specific youth demographics becoming increasingly radical in their political stances. We must be aware of why some people want to divide us all. In honour of our independence month, let's remember the core values of our Malaysian society and stand united against any divisive elements.”
She pursued her Master's Degree at Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam) and graduated with a Master of International Business Law (LL.M) in 2009. After graduation, she joined the exclusive Summer School in Geneva organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization – part of the United Nations (UN).
In 2010, she returned to Kuala Lumpur to commit to Lubri Oil Corporation as its Chief Executive Officer until 2014 before resigning and resuming duty as one of the directors.
Nurul Ashiqin is very well-versed in political communication, having researched and represented Malaysia in many speaking engagements internationally. “I was contemplating for a long time to make this video. I prefer not to talk about politics on my Tik Tok. However, I have noticed a very worrying trend. A trend that is a bit saddening and scary. Because I started to see a trend among young people where they are getting increasingly more extreme regarding their political views and how they view this country in general, I believe it was motivated by a particular group of people in this country. I don't want to name who.
“Those who are getting benefits when you have extreme views. Unfortunately, our founding fathers established this country through understanding, negotiation, unity and tolerance. And, I can tell you right now those who manipulate emotions or your point of view to be more extreme have their interests. They want to achieve something through division, dividing all of us, and fighting with each other because they have something to gain.
“It was never about you; it was never about your well-being. Because if you genuinely love this country, if you truly love Malaysia, you want this country to prosper, you want this country to be peaceful, you want everybody to get along. Those who encourage you or make content to make you angry or to make you extreme or to divide the harmony of this country are actually for their interests. No normal people want to see this country divided. Who is at a loss? We are at a loss.”
Professionally, Nurul is an International Speaker, Head of Programme, a Law Lecturer and an Activist by day but a political enthusiast by night. She has spoken at various international forums such as the World Communication Forum, Davos, European Association of Communication Directors Forum, Lisbon, European Association of Political Communication, St. Petersburg and much more. She has appeared as Keynote Speaker for Business Communication Forum, Roundtable Session, Kiev Edition, Ukraine and recently won the “Relationship of the Future” Award from the World Communication Forum, Davos.
Nurul’s vision is to globalise the participation of women in #Malaysiakita in various fields and empower the voice of Malaysian women on an international level.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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