Sunday, 31 August 2008

MERDEKA!!! MERdeka! merdeka?




Merdeka which literally means independence is celebrated throughout Malaysia on the 31st of August. Marking the end of the British rule, Malaysia geared herself in developing the country as well as creating a society where each individual is highly educated, civilised and nationalistic. However, there are some serious problems that lie within this nation that are not broadcasted on television on this auspicious day or any other day to begin with. For this post, i will voice my opinion on two of the issues that cloud this nation.




Freedom of Speech


This comment is in close reference to the newspaper article dated on the 28th of August 2008 with the headline "News portal blocked" in The Star. The article states that the internet service providers (ISPs) were ordered to block websites that contain elements which "contravene the local laws of the country". Well, i suppose that it also means blogs that clarify bloggers views but their opinions contradict the governments ideas will be blocked as well! How ridiculous is that? Malaysia is a democratic country. How is it democratic if our country denies the right of our freedom when it comes to voicing our opinions? So, is it only democratic when our opinions are in tune with that of the government? How contradictory! Malaysia is 51 YEARS OLD, aren't we old enough for all these nonsense?



The problems with being a "minority".


Being a minority in Malaysia has not always been honey and sugar. After 51 years, the minorities yearn for equal opportunities in all aspects. The government could claim that everyone is treated equally by occasionally broadcasting a few successful minorities that obtain help from the government, but is that the case for all the other individuals who are part of the minority?

  1. Companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur) must find bumiputras to take up a minimum 30% of equity to satisfy listing requirements.
  2. Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) is a basket of government run of mutual funds (profit guaranteed) that allow only bumiputra to purchase. The return rates is three to five times higher than that of local commercial banks.
  3. In 2004, Dr. Shafie Salleh, the newly appointed Higher Education Minister, stated that he "will ensure the quota of Malay students' entry into universities is always higher".
  4. etc etc...

Is that equality? As much as we hate to say it, Malaysia does not treat all her citizens equally! Apart from that, as a minority, i crave for complete security without having the fear of being insecure regardless of the situation. We do not want people to spit into our faces, claiming, "this land is righteously ours, not yours. Return to your respective countries!" (I've faced that before). As a minority, what can you do? Retaliate? No! The best way is to shut your pie hole and leave! Generally, the minorities are left in a state rather known as diaspora. Do i love this country, "hell, yes!". I believe that the minorities wish to abolish their diasporic state and live comfortably in this beautiful nation; with complete right and freedom and without the fear of being oppressed. How cool would it be if God allows us to select our skin colour before we get out of our mothers wombs?! All problems concerning special rights and racism in this nation would be solved then!




Finally, i hope that i would not be detained by Internal Security Act (ISA) for posting this. God bless Malaysia.


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