This is why unhappy Malaysians want to leave 14/10/2014 By Ace Emerson COMMENT: What an irony for Malaysia! It seems that the more the country moves forward, the more the government seems to be driving Malaysians backwards. It must be recognised today that many Malaysians felt trapped within a system that has gone from bad to worse and they are looking for ways to leave the country, especially the non-Malays or non-Muslims. Let us not pretend that this is not happening. Really, what has gone wrong for our nation that was once revered by many? Malaysia was one Muslim country that was envied and emulated by others. Why are her people jumping ship if it is such a beautiful country? Well for one, the country’s political arena has been rocked. There is very little trust left for those in power as well as for those jostling for power. Basically, there are two significant currents driving Malaysian society. There is the developing, metropolitan, Western-oriented current on the one hand. And the conservative, rural movement that is greatly influenced by Islam, on the other. “Today, our government seems to be “misguided” and “inefficient”. A far cry for a country where the much-vaunted value of “equality” has over the years been tinged with envy and animosity by those in power,” Marvin Lee, a young entrepreneur from Penang told theantdaily. The discord reveals the political differences in Malaysia and how it has in fact, become more intense under cover of the economic boom. The feeling of outrage has amplified among the people and the divide running through the Malaysian society has deepened. “The cracks in our multi-cultural nation are beginning to bring about a division. Our only salvation is made out of a small population of people who can actually think for themselves. The majority are a semi-literate, culturally ignorant, cognitively backward population who are very easily manipulated and tricked at the poll,” said Andrew Santiago, a businessman from Malacca. But this handful of hopefuls are emigrating elsewhere. In fact, a huge number of Malaysian I spoke to have the intent to migrate to another country. The people of Sabah are also crying out. For a while now, they have felt betrayed by the government because it has neglected to prioritise job creation in the country. They convey anger and disappointment at the multitude of expats taking away their jobs and being paid triple that of their salary. “What is the purpose in having a multitude of universities around the country and professing to be the best when there are so few better paying jobs available?” asked Ricky Mathius, a Sabahan who graduated with honours from Michigan University. Sara Manjanap, also an American post graduate holder hailing from Sabah, said one important priority of the government should be job creation. “We Sabahans are compelled to seek employment in Peninsular Malaysia or somewhere else, simply for the reason that there is a scarcity of good paying jobs here in Sabah,” she said. “Even the matter of faith is now being manipulated. Notably apparent in Sabah, whose people have long been accepted for their laid-back way of life and acceptance of all, regardless of race or religion, are today being manipulated. A kind of wariness now clouds Sabah’s religious matters,” said Maureen Moot, an environmental engineer born in Sabah. Although the Federal Constitution and the 20-point agreement guarantee freedom of religion, in reality, the interpretation and implementation differ. Even before the word “Allah” became an issue, there were already cases of converting trickery. With 32 ethnic groups calling Sabah home and Muslims who do not identify as Malays, many had been “Malaynised” primarily based on their religion and with the prefix “bin” and “binti” added in their names even if they are Muslims of Bisayan or Kadazandusun heritage. Another “threat” prevalent in Sabah are intermarriages. “It is common for family members who are of different faiths to coexist harmoniously. There is acceptance and respect for each other’s belief,” said Manjanap a Catholic Sino Kadazan who is married to a Bisayan Muslim. But that harmonious coexistence is now being threatened. The government is now even driving patriotic propaganda down the people’s throats to motivate patriotism among them which is more of the traits of an authoritarian state rather than a “liberal’ one. Reminded me of a Samuel Johnson quote that said, “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” “It is not right to force someone to do what they do not want to do, as the case of the national anthem clearly illustrates. Playing the national anthem in cinemas and compelling people to stand in an entertainment spot is not a very wise move”, said Jasmine Kumar, a law intern from Selangor. She then asked a most pertinent question. “Why are we at a point now that we have to force people to show patriotism to the nation. Patriotism should be felt from within and not made an obligation. Then again, what have we to be proud of these days? Has the government done anything for us the non-Malays?” asked Kumar. Like Richard Aldington said, Patriotism is a lively sense of collective responsibility.” “The vast majority of today’s generation dont really understand the true interpretation of the words penned, they just parrot it because thats what they are taught to do. It has become more of conditioning rather than pride. Nazi Germany used the same technic in compelling patriotism down peoples throats. Thereby, ask yourself this, would you still abide by this nation if it became Nazi like? Come to think of it, it sort of is already,” said Klang Valley born and bred car sales manager Michael Ng. Instead of using force, the government should as an alternative instilled the appreciation for the country by practising what this country was founded on which is also what makes Malaysia unique as compared to other Southeast Asian countries, - diversity. One thing our leaders must be aware of – Malaysians are not fools. They are alert folk who would not be taken for a ride that easily.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:06:22 +0000
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