By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP Life advisor
Once in a while, an encouraging sign of Malaysian nationalism show up.
Lee Chong Wei is a good example of a patriotic Malaysian. In spite of the negative outbursts by Perkasa and UMNO, the ordinary people as a whole feel this is their country, and they belong here.
Lee Chong Wei fought and used up his last ounce of energy for the honour and glory of his country. He played his best for Malaysia. Literally, he lost by a hair’s breadth. He was as good as his opponent from China, Lin Dan.
He was as good as Lin Dan as shown by the ding dong battle in the third round. Unfortunately, at the end the luck of the shuttle fell to Lin Dan who won, when Chong Wei’s shot fell just off the base line.
Was it a defeat for Chong Wei? Definitely not. The battle showed that it was a victory for the Malaysian spirit, where the player fought his heart out for Malaysia and for his country men whether in the stadium or back home in the old country.
The multiracial supporters cheered for Chong Wei as one – Malaysians together. Defeat? there was only victory, victory for the Malaysian spirit even in defeat.
The champion performance of Chong Wei in the centre court and the support of Malaysians in the stands have shown that the people of Malaysia regard themselves as one people.
Thank you Chong Wei for uniting the people. You are a hero in more ways than one.