A personal reflection on national pride, resilience and unity, from Commonwealth Games memories to Covid-19 and the current global crisis.
IN 1989, Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Kuala Lumpur was adorned with the flags of Commonwealth countries, a sight that excited me as a child.
Then we hosted the XVI Commonwealth Games when Ella delivered her stirring performance of Standing in the Eyes of the World.
My dad, a former rugby player for the country and Negeri Sembilan, is now retired. Naturally we often frequented the stadium in Kelana Jaya to support our national team and watch Jonah Lomu, the legendary All Blacks superstar.
In the match against New Zealand, we were beaten 53–0 but what I remember most from that day was the roar of Malaysians when we managed to tackle the formidable Jonah Lomu and stop a try. Our scoreboard remained at zero , yet the ecstasy of bringing him down – despite the disparity in size – remains etched in my memory as a moment of pride for us as Malaysians.
That vivid memory was reignited when I recently travelled with my sisterto Beijing and encountered fellow Malaysians while walking along Wangfujing Street and trekking the Great Wall.
In the sea of people, our ears were quick to catch the familiar words “orang Malaysia-ke?” from afar. We started chatting and asked the famous question “dah makan ke” before professing our love and longing for teh tarik, nasi lemak, roti canai and the list goes on. Strangers at home, comrades abroad.
It is the same sense of pride each time Malaysia Airlines lands and greets passengers with, “To all visitors, welcome to Malaysia; and to all Malaysians, welcome home”. Our national carrier demonstrated an extraordinary grit and resilience in recovering from the devastating tragedies of MH370 and MH17. The net profit posted in 2023 marked a significant turnaround for the company after a long and difficult journey.
Life is a cycle of ups and downs. Fortune and misfortune are like a twisted rope that come by turns. In 2020, the flood sent many to evacuation centres.
I remember a photograph of an elderly woman standing at the site of what used to be her house in Hulu Langat.
Together with family and friends, we organised a large container lorry bearing the Harimau logo for victims in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Doing nothing is not an option when fellow Malaysians are struggling.
Then Covid-19 happened, ravaging our economy and livelihoods. MCO in place, people lost jobs and incomes. White flags were raised and the largest mobilisation of Malaysians for Malaysia took place through #kitajagakita.
We rallied and organised assistance in the shortest time possible. Food riders went out of the way to send food to the homeless. Personal Protective Equipment was sewn and face shields were made. Everyone contributed, gave and helped in every way possible to ease each other’s pain.
This year we are being tested again following the US–Israel attack on Iran and its aftermath. Supply shocks are emerging, prices are rising and uncertainties remain abound.
Solutions are contingent upon the duration of the crisis. Until then, the options and possibilities of what the future holds remain open.
The coming weeks and months could be rough and tough, with long periods of tension and exasperation.
The only way out is by riding through the storm together with family, friends and fellow Malaysians. Crisis brings out the best and worst in humans. It opens doors to kindness, gratitude and love, giving Malaysians the strength to endure and emerge on the other side – changed but intact.
Let us stand together for better or worse.
Nur Ayuni Zainal Abidin
Putrajaya
