by Allan CF Goh
This is my personal view, spoken out of my soul and conscience. Though I sincerely believe many intelligent and fair-minded Malaysians, including Malayans, Sabahans and Sarawakians, share the same sentiment, it remains my personal conviction.
Merdeka came in 1957, while I was still in an English medium school during the 50’s. Then life was very slow and simple. True values were the basis of one’s education and upbringing, cutting across the racial lines. Indian, Malay and Chinese classmates mixed around as fully accepted Malayans, without being aware of, or awkward about our different colours. We visited each other’s home, and sometimes ate the food offered, without hesitation. Some may recall, we even called each other “racist” names as endearment, in real friendship without malice. No offence was taken. I remember some Malay classmates even took Bible Knowledge in their Form 3 Examination, with the full blessing of their families. They still remain good, devout Muslims.
When merdeka arrived, all communities welcomed it with great hope and unity. Merdeka was pledged to all, without exception. Reading the Straits Times and Straits Echo in the school library (we could not afford our own newspapers at home) during breaks, we were constantly assured by the then Alliance leaders from UMNO, MCA and MIC, that all races would be treated equally.
However ‘special rights’ were necessary for the poor Malays to help them bridge the social and economic gap. Non-Malay citizens readily accepted this concept because it was never meant to be a racial weapon of deprivation. Senior politicians and civil servants often defined ‘special rights’ thus: All things being equal, the Malay candidate will be given preference to the government’s largesse. However the best candidate, be he/she a Malay, Chinese or Indian, will be chosen otherwise.
Then came May 13, a black day for all Malaysians. This nefarious event was engineered by some racist Malay politicians to establish Malay supremacy. ‘Special rights’ become Malay rights. Aids go to people with the best connection, not those with the greatest need. Rabid patronage becomes the order of the day; so is corruption.
What else do the Chinese want? I, for one, want a fair, just social system, where government support is given to those who most require help, be he/she a poor Indian, Malay, Chinese or Dusun/Kadazan. Aid should be predicated on the degree of poverty, and not any other extraneous consideration. I believe in a social system that can develop the potential of its citizens in full, without being turned into a racial dilemma.
What else do I want? I want an impeccable justice system where wronged citizens can seek redress and fairness from unconscionable actions of the powers that be. I believe in a justice true and absolute in its manifestation, free from any unwanted influence, free from any immorality. I believe in a judiciary that is independent, that is supreme in fairness, so as to check and balance any wantonness from any party.
I believe in a citizenry that is based on loyalty and equality, sharing an equal place under the Malaysian sun, all pulling and pushing in the same direction to make the country the best. I believe in the Malaysian oneness, sharing the Malaysian responsibility, and dream of greatness.
There should never be any lesser Malaysians in this land, or any master race lording over an underclass.
Lastly, I want a government of the people, by the people, for the people. I want a government that is answerable to its citizens; not a government by ‘divine rights’. A good government is based on capability, integrity and morality, and not befuddled by racism and comunalism.
When the government is not performing to the citizens’ aspirations, we must have the absolute right to change it through a clean, untroubled election.
I, as a Chinese Malaysian, do not ask for more than these basic decencies of my government. These wants have nothing to do with race. These are just prerequisites of good governance.