In Search of National Identity
(A version of this was first published in theSun on 7th September 2012).
It has become somewhat of an annual affair in August and September that Malaysians obsess about our national identity. Although laughable at times, this also speaks volumes about our inability to grasp at what is truly our national narrative.
Finding this common idea that binds us together as Malaysians has confounded even the most brilliant of academics. Adding to this already complex issue, this year over Independence Day the government had to deal with its poorly designed logo, negative response to its ‘Janji Detepati’ theme (said to be politically motivated), and its accompanying song (which has garnered 38,548 dislikes on the YouTube channel to date).
Driving around Kuala Lumpur last month, one would have noticed the visibly few cars flying the Malaysian flag to commemorate our Independence Day this year. Despite my inclinations against the need for national paraphernalia, I do admit such symbols are helpful to define a part of – but not all of – a citizen’s sense of loyalty. But the question then becomes: What is the measure of patriotism?
A study by a local university in 2007 measured patriotism in Malaysia based on several factors, amongst others the person’s ability to converse in Malay, whether the person was born in Malaysia, and whether the person would choose to continue living in Malaysia. My then colleague who happened to be born in London, not particularly fluent in Malay, and willing to move to any country that promised better job opportunities, was adamant that these factors made her no less Malaysian.
Finding this one narrative continues to be a struggle. Prime Minister Najib Razak attempted to encapsulate this with his “1Malaysia” slogan, which has been overshadowed by his party’s political play. In fact, a Malaysian Political Values Survey by Merdeka Centre in early 2010 found that 46% of those surveyed considered the “1Malaysia” concept a political agenda to win non-Malay votes.
But perhaps we have been so used to textbook responses of what unites us that we have stopped to think outside the box. Respondents in the same survey stated that the values that unite are “democratic participation, economic security, national integrity and affirmative action” (Merdeka Center for Opinion Research, 2010). Perhaps there are alternative markers for what instills a sense of pride in our nation.
Two young men are being investigated by the police under the Sedition Act for flying a “Sang Saka Malaya” flag during the National Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka. In a blog entry, their explanation is this was the exact red-and-white flag used by the Malay Nationalist Party (MNP), and since the MNP stood for independence against British colonialism, they felt it was appropriate to fly the flag alongside the official Malaysian flag. (It is believed that a separate party altogether was responsible for pamphlets urging for the national flag to be changed.)
This is an interesting development, where young Malaysians are seeking out alternative narratives to our collective history. Where government textbooks taught me of the evils of communism, for example, other sources also state they were genuinely nationalistic in nature. Fahmi Reza, director of the documentary “10 Years Before Merdeka”, in his research has also uncovered valuable bits of Malaysian history. For example, the fact that the British military had a continued presence in Malaysia up to 1971, despite the fact that we had gained independence from the British more than ten years earlier in 1957.
Another example is our tendency to lump ourselves into broad generic categories of Malays, Chinese and Indians, when in fact our communities have originated from a multitude of ethnicities, including the Bugis, Javanese, Achehnese, Batak, Burmese, Hokkien, Cantonese and so on. In fact, such divisions and segregations were introduced as a result of European perceptions of ‘race’ (Charles Hirschman, 1986).
Malaysia has a rich history, but only if we are willing to dig up these little-known nuggets and learn about them with open minds and hearts. It may not be possible to identify this singular grand narrative that defines the Malaysian spirit, but that is perfectly alright. There may not be that one thing that binds us all, but it is precisely our varied past and heritage that makes us unique.
It is time that we seek out a narrative that allows us to embrace a Malaysia that is inclusive, plural and diverse, and one that is true and fair to our past. We should be comfortable with celebrating our differences, whilst at the same time acknowledging we are equal Malaysian citizens alike. A belated Selamat Hari Merdeka!
