Fancy standing up for 6 minutes before a movie at the cinemas? Starting next Wednesday, a 6 minutes clip comprising of Negaraku and 2 other Merdeka Day songs will be played before any movies in the cinema starts, whether it be GSC, MBO, Cathay, or any other cinemas. Action will be taken against anyone found disrespecting the national anthem. Mind you, disrespecting includes texting, chit chatting, and remaining seated during the 6 minutes.
Noble intentions
I can see the government's noble intention. It certainly creates the Merdeka Day mood and atmosphere, but then, how far can patriotism be instilled through this practice? I suggest the government do a research, and be clean and honest with the answer. Take US and England as an example. Why are its citizens proud of their flag, their country and their national anthem? See, in these countries, it's a culture, whether they sing the national anthem or not, they feel proud of their country. You can't force the people to be proud of something they find "not right". 51% of Malaysians who voted for Pakatan Rakyat during the 13th General Elections are sick of the mess in this country. You cannot expect these people to be proud of the country after singing the national anthem, considering their despise towards the mess. Can you?
Corruption
Just look at the corruption indexes spearheaded by the police, government officials and ministers. Businesses lose out because of corruption. Instead of incentives to improve and compete, corruption becomes the driving force in contracts and tenders. Ever come across tales of high ranking officials in governmental agencies who either don't work, or work slowly when there's no under table money? I am sure you have. Even the government has been relying on handouts and cash to win the past elections.
Crime
Look at escalating crime rates. Burglars are carrying out their activities rampantly. Theft is on the rise. And mind you, this does not only happen to normal civilians, even Ministers, police chiefs, the deputy prime minister, a Menteri Besar, and a Tan Sri became victims themselves; These are high ranking personnels who have CCTVs and proper security measures at their home. Gangsters, prominent businessmen, NGOs and even corporate leaders, you name it, not spared from the wild wild west shooting style; The recently concluded Altantuya Shaaribu murder trial also raised much questions. No answers as to how she entered the country, got shot twice and then exploded into bits and pieces; Tech Beng Hock died while in MACC custody. Court judgement was an open verdict. So, how safe do you feel in Malaysia? If it is still hard to comprehend, just try walking through the streets of Sinsuran or Kampung Air at 11pm.
Inflation
The rising cost of living. Yes this happens everywhere in the world, but that should not be an excuse to allow the continuation of inflation. Statistics by the World Bank showed that Malaysia is one of the leading countries in terms of rising cost of living. Consumers are losing out because spending power is becoming weaker and weaker. On the other hand, government politicians are spending like there is no tomorrow. Corporate and conglomerates with political connections are forever expanding and raking in millions and billions in profits.
Religious tension
Religious tensions caused by monkey politicians who want to score cheap political points. Where is the religious tolerance that Najib preached to the Arab world? The likes of Ibrahim Ali, forever indispensable to UMNO and untouchable by the authorities despite inciting hatred against other religions. So much so for 1Malaysia?
Racism
Racism championed by right wing groups and irresponsible parties. Yet again, where is 1Malaysia? 2 bloggers who posted a picture of a pork dish initially denied bail by the court. A politician, specifically Zulu Noordin, who mocked the Indians, got away without being charged. Ibrahim Ali who suggested burning bibles got scotch free. Even the PM himself, blamed his loss on the Chinese. The next day, Utusan ran a headline asking "Apa lagi Cina Mahu?" What happened to teachers asking students to go back to China or India. Where is the consistency in charges and disciplinary actions?
Education system
Flip flop education policies by the forever problematic education ministers. They say youths are the future of the nation, and yes I agree. Parents are responsible at home, whereas at school, the education system plays an important and fundamental role in shaping tomorrow's society. Few years back we witnessed a U-turn decision with regards to the teaching of science and maths. Much resources were invested in preparing English to be used as the medium for teaching science and maths, few years later, the policy was abolished. The respective ministers, in order to gain political mileage, is suggesting that he is prepared to use students and teachers as his political pawns. Now, we see them trying to make Islamic civilization a compulsory subject for University students.
50 or 56 years old?
The worst part is, Merdeka is around the corner, yet many still disregard the fact that Malaysia is 50 years old, and not 56 years old. Even politicians from both ends cannot decide where do they stand and try to avoid making a stand. History tells you that Malaya gained independence in 1957, whereas Sabah and Sarawak agreed to join Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. So Malaysia is in fact 50 years old, unless your definition of Malaysia does not include the two resource rich states East Malaysian states. You cannot change history, can you?
So tell me, will singing the national anthem solve all these problems? Yes, I will stand for the six minutes because I love my country, but I wish that as I stand and sing, I can be proud of what my country has achieved. I want to feel proud of the country, the system, and things other countries do not have. But will that happen in the near future? As I have always shared with my friends, at this point in time, "I love my country, but not the system".
