Profile of Bangsa Malaysia

 

Well it was a certainly a humbling experience for me to attend the Bangsa Malaysia Merdeka Forum and Get-Together on the evening of 25 August 2007. No, it not because the who’s who of the Malaysian blogging circle was there but rather, the rare determination of people of all races and religion coming together with one common aspiration, i.e. to drop all their tribal, communalistic thinking and prejudices and to love one another. To me, it was as Gandhi puts it – an experiment in truth.

    The forum had speakers  Uncle Zorro (Unmasked) Dato Zaid Ibrahim, , Jayanath Appudurai, Rocky’s Bru, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar and Azmi Sharom each having their own views and perspective of what Bangsa Malaysia is and whether the initiative was actually necessary. This was followed by some rather serious discussion with the participants, facilitated by Haris Ibrahim.  Through the deliberations, a profile of Bangsa Malaysia finally took shape and was summarized as follows:

* One People through adversity
* Look out for each other
* We live with each other
* We die together
* National aspiration to live in harmony
* No room for dominance
* Lack of understanding of the Merdeka struggle
* National identity – a change in mindset and heart
* To deemphasize and purge ourselves of differences
* Self empowerment
* To take responsibility
* Women’s empowerment
* Malaysian-centric
* Motherland = HOME
* Patriotism and willingness to defend the country
* Common destiny
* Respect the dignity of others

From the forum it was clear that to bring about the vision of Bangsa Malaysia, there need to be a change in the mindset and heart(set) of everyone. I was happy though, that the forum ended with a concrete roadmap for like-minded Anak Bangsa Malaysia to follow in order to realise this noble dream.

   Later in the evening, Haris reminded those present that the struggle to create Bangsa Malaysia may be a long one and the journey, tough. “We are in for a long haul”, he said. “Many challenges will confront the Bangsa Malaysia movement and that there will be those that will say that it is a nebulous concept and question the need for it. But there will come a time when we have to be confident enough to engage these detractors” he added.

He then unveiled PELITAR or Penyayang Legasi & Inspirasi Tunku Abdul Rahman an initiative to tie with the Bangsa Malaysia drive. “Our ‘Bapa Malaysia’, Tunku Abdul Rahman, had a vision. His leadership and spirit that led us to this independent nation, are the epitome of a true Malaysian. Forgiving, undividing, and always forging new relationships whilst breaking down barriers” he said.

He also proposed to bring across the Bangsa Malaysia philosophy and Tunku’s legacy to the people of Penang at a ‘do’ called Majlis Mesra PELITAR on 16 September 2007, the day Malaysia was formed.

I drove home late that night feeling elated that truth and diversity was being celebrated but what was more remarkable was Haris’s words that kept ringing in my ears, “As a fellow Bangsa Malaysia, I am willing to die for you – all of you, regardless of your race or religion”. That is truly the measure of a great soul.

Perhaps, now I understand what Bangsa Malaysia means.