Since the anti-temple rally that shook many in our community, I have been writing extensively about the deteriorating condition of the Indian community in Malaysia. The responses from the Malaysian Indians have been encouraging, diverse, and at times deeply reflective. Many agree that something is wrong. Many feel the anxiety. Many sense the slow erosion of dignity and direction.
But among the responses, there is one view that deserves careful attention.
This view is the one where some Indians will ask: Why focus on race at all? Why not forget these divisions and simply be Malaysians? Why not move beyond race and think only in terms of national identity?
To that, all I will say is this: I hope they will remember what they say today in better times.
In my humble opinion, even if their view has merit, now is not the proper time for it to be considered.
Why?
Because at the present time, as a community, we are not very successful or happy. This view of theirs is only something that we can meaningfully consider when we become more successful or happy.
We cannot be unsuccessful and unhappy and proclaim that we see no difference between others and us — that in our eyes, we are all the one and the same same.
We cannot, because those who are more successful or happier than us will not see our declaration as sincere. Instead, they are apt to interpret our declaration as a desire to gain the success and happiness that they have, without giving anything commensurate in return.
If we sincerely wish to be Malaysians, let us aim to be successful or happy first.
Once we are successful and happy, and then we declare to everyone that we see no difference between others and us — that in our eyes, we are all the same — then it becomes a meaningful declaration.
If we follow up on the declaration by breaking down the walls that prevents those who do not share our identity to have an equal opportunity to enjoy the success and happiness that we have , then and only then will what we we do break down the identity barriers amongst the various races and identity groups in the country, and bring us all together as one people of one nation — regardless of race, religion, or region.
But first, let us unite, gain strength, and become more successful and happy.
TheRealNehruism (nehru.sathiamoorthy@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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