A very good morning i would like to bid to our honourable judges, the dashing/beautiful timekeeper, lecturers, friends and fellow audience.On this fine morning i would like to take you down the memory lane. Let us recap what happened in the past, how our history changes us, make us the citizen of our proud nation Malaysia. Before that let me introduce my topic today how does the concept of 1 Malaysia can be strengthened by appreciating our national history.
Ladies and gentlemen,
‘Those who don't read history are doomed to repeat it” those are the words from the western philosopher Edmund Burke. Allow me to explain my topic. What is the concept of 1 Malaysia? According to YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak, "We stand, we think and act as a nation of Malaysia. One People. And we take actions based on the needs of all ethnic groups in our country;
This does not mean we dispense with affirmative action policies, policies to help indigenous people as long as the policy is implemented in a fair manner and give consideration to the Bumiputera community who are eligible for a consideration of the government. We came out of the way in which we practice ethnic wall for a long time. "
This does not mean we dispense with affirmative action policies, policies to help indigenous people as long as the policy is implemented in a fair manner and give consideration to the Bumiputera community who are eligible for a consideration of the government. We came out of the way in which we practice ethnic wall for a long time. "
Leaders of the future,
It is our duty, as the citizen of Malaysia to make this aspiration become a dream and the dream to become a reality. Never forget. Our independence is not bought with money, it was bought with blood of our ancestors. Our freedom is at the cost of our ancestors sacrifices.
During the British colonisation they used divide and rule. Malays are left in kampongs working with their crops, Indians are left in estates to manage rubber plantation, Chinese working in the tin mines. The segregation of races according to their role in economics widen the gap for national unity. Malays staying in kampongs, Indian in estates and chinese in towns reduces the probability for three races to gather in one place. After some time there is a prominent split between the races.
Along with the arrival of chinese and indians is the education system that they brought along . The Chinese and Indians have their own vernacular school system that brings in teachers, books and syllabus from their country. Thus leaving this country with religious, English, Chinese, Tamil and Malay stream schools. The direct effect of the education system the British implemented, was causing obstruction to the national unity. The process of assimilation did not occur as the races did not come under the same roof for studies.
Prior to the 1970s, Malays were deemed rural in lifestyle as well as livelihood. The Chinese were seen as the tycoons, pillaging away the rich bounty of the land. The Indians were restricted to thrive between the shades of rubber trees. Needless to say, this segregations and economic disparity was a recipe for doom. In 1969, the infamous bloody riot of May 13 occurred. This was the ultimate display of intolerance and was sadly and eternally recorded in the annals of our history. The tragic event of May 13 had made the government of the day realised that the matter of racial harmony ought to be the number one of all priorities. And rightfully so, certain measures were drawn up as to find the equilibrium which works for everyone.
Members of the floor,
History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future. This is not just a story, this is our history. The malays are no longer striving in the kampong, the indians are no longer locked in estates, now all of us have the same opportunities for success, our education system have been more transparent. The standard of living of our society has increased. Malaysians never starve to death. In this era, education in our country does not divide but unite the various ethnic communities through the use of one curriculum. Taking the 13th may incident as a lesson young generation should learn to tolerate with each other. All Malaysians should consider themselves as Malaysians who think and act in one voice and one goal. Demographic characteristics such as state, race, religion and culture should be avoided to establish an open minded Malaysian race and want to develop the country together. Young man, wake up, look around, we are living in a multiracial country. Respect others and avoid creating racial discrimination. Lets 13th may become the last of its kind.
Before i end my speech today allow me to remind you once again. Remember our history, learn from our mistakes. Thank you.
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