Tricia Yeoh

  Khairy J. is at it again. He says that the elections is for the future of the Malays. Of course. It is plain to see. Race card played once again for political mileage. Enough said. No need any indepth political analysis, this one, let’s not reduce ourselves to pretend that it warrants any philosophical consideration.

Instead, No. 2 of my postings of what I wish the Prime Minister would say. Or anyone from UMNO, for that matter. I wish we had a noble statesmen who would say the following:

“Young man, I thank you for your enthusiasm. Indeed, it is honourable that you would desire to stand for the people of your kind. We no doubt need intelligent, passionate men as yourself to uplift the sorry state of our Malay brethren – especially those who are still economically disadvantaged. I agree with you.

However, you see, even our Founding Fathers and many great leaders that followed, have established an understanding that Malaysia is really for people of different ethnic groups. We share common ground that is this nation. We share a common space, a common value system. We share Malaysia. To say that the coming elections is for the future of the Malays alone is not a fair representation of our collective history. Of course yes, it IS for the future of the Malays but also for the future of all other races – Malaysia is made up of other races as well, and they form a pretty large group of people here. Plus, don’t forget that the Chinese and Indians also helped in the process of Independence and fighting the Japanese Occupation.

So I think, it is better if you said this: Elections is for the sake of all Malaysians, to ensure they get the leaders of their choice, responsible leaders who, in demonstrating the best of integrity and governance can then contribute to the elevation of people in society as a whole, Malays included. I think that is a better way of putting it. Could you please apologise to our fellow Chinese and Indian and other brothers and sisters for your statement? Let’s show them that we really do welcome them as they welcome us. I think it is only fair that they have an equal say in the future of our country. After all, we are all living together. They are equal citizens too.”

When and from WHOM can we receive such a statement?

I’m waiting for a noble statesmen to gently admonish racism without being arrogant or confrontational.

I’m waiting for a noble Malay politician and leader to be bold and brave – plus, it is being righteously bold, about something that is true and noble. The future lies in your hands. A mere Chinese nobody like me (or my fellow Chinese leaders, for that matter) has no voice, I feel. Our mouthpieces are weak.

I’m waiting. I’m waiting. I’m waiting.

Those who had urgent messages for the people of a nation cowed under by darkness and doom shared one thing in common: their ability to go down to the level of the people and speak in a language they understood.

Their hearts were equally heavy, perturbed by the situation which seemed unending, a cyclical pattern of – for lack of a better word, evil.

Goodness and purity seemed so alien to a world encumbered with pride, greed and self-centredness. Preaching anything but the development of self would be contrary to norm.

Jesus and Muhammad, both great and noble teachers of their time. Both with urgent, crucial messages that needed to be spoken to their respective people groups. They were one amongst the crowd, men amongst men. They spoke in parables and phrases the people were familiar with, walked and talked with them, infused their teachings into the cultures inherent and practiced at the time. Their humility to do so has made them historical figures, whose teachings will always be remembered and held in high esteem.

We do not claim to call ourselves anywhere near these great teachers. But we do have a story, a desperately urgent message that needs to be heard. One that needs to be told to our people, lest we all fall into the trap together. How do we do this?

Let us learn to speak the language of those with whom we converse. What is it that makes the people tick? Let us analyse the workings of the mass mind. The emotive persuasive skills that can convince in real terms. A process of empathy vs. one of defensive confrontation.

Because we do not want to argue. Nor debate uselessly. Nor antagonise.
Because we want to persuade, as if those to whom we speak are as yet unclear and require clouds in their heads to be removed.

Because we want our messages to be told in the language they understand.
What would Jesus or Muhammad say to the many, many Malaysians who are entrapped in a cycle of bigotry, discrimination, racism, insecurity, fear, confusion, arrogance, delusion and injustice?

Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok will be officiating the Merdeka Statement launch on Thursday. I’m looking forward to hearing what he will have to say. If you remember correctly, he was the one who resigned as Head of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity not too long ago. The reasons Nazri consequently gave were that he was influenced by Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, amongst others.

There must be more to it than that. One wonders about what takes place behind the scenes, what relationships and personalities need to be addressed and “taken care of”, to the extent that Integrity is no longer practiced nor preached.

Yes, indeed I am sure his views will be interesting. What better Minister to launch the Merdeka Statement, at a time where Integrity is so much needed in the country?