the reason for this blog

Before I move on to the blog topic proper, I'd like to explain the rationale for starting up this space for my thoughts and opinions.

In the past year I've opened my eyes to the world of Malaysian politics, the true socio-economic conditions of the Malaysian populace. For countless years I've been predictably hoodwinked into submission, thinking that all is rosy and well with the country I call home. The ruling government's (currently the multi-racial National Front) undiminished influence over local mainstream media did much in painting this unblemished picture of Malaysia.

Then in a moment of pure paradigm shift, the veils were unmasked. Realities became visible. Shrouds of propaganda, twisted agendas, and the general imbalance of check-and-balance in the government suddenly were thrown into the limelight. The new me had arisen. In essence, this personal awakening has further enhanced my resolve to strive for a better Malaysia.

Our government constantly echoes the rhetoric that we are a blessed multi-racial, multi-religious nation living in peace, harmony and tolerance. Our society's kind nature, they say, is thanks to their "perfect" formula of National Front (Barisan Nasional, BN) which consists of representatives of what they call the "majority races": Malay (represented by UMNO), Chinese (MCA) and Indian (MIC). However, recently, there have been many people realizing the fact that we are indeed living on the brink of national disunity. We are treading the thin lines that divide us racially. There has been so much talk about building a National Identity, but how can we possibly do so if we are so protective of our "race". In fact, the BN controls most of the population by the very same method that our past colonial masters have masterminded their rule over us: "divide and conquer". We are so used to being divided by the racial lines that we forget how to become true Malaysians.

The BN government frequently brings up the issue of 13 May 1969, the time when the supposed racial riots threatened the national security of our country. The "official" reason given is that there was a severe imbalance in the economic power held by the three majority races. It was obvious that this referred to the poor economic standing held by the Malay race. Malaysian history was rewritten from that day onwards, and we are now living in a world of supposed equality and unity. The truth, however, remains covered.

So here we are, back to square one. Until, and unless, we are willing to give up championing the cause of the "race" and start to defend and demand for the rights of the "people", we will never be able to achieve the unity of the Malaysian Identity (Bangsa Malaysia).

What can we do now? Whine? Complain? Or take action? If each of us can take a small step in the right direction, the entire nation will feel the forces moving us all forward. I look forward to changing the name of this blog from disUnited Nation to trulyUnited Nation.