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COVER
STORY
Malaysia turns 59 on Aug 31. Though it is just a one day celebration, the build up to
that day starts early and the feeling of patriotismcan be felt throughout thewhole
country during the month of August. Houses and shops proudly fly the Malaysian
flag, children can be seen clutchingminiature versions in their hands and some cars
are even adorned with it. Many taxi drivers tie a flag to their car aerials, which flap
proudly in the wind as the car moves through the traffic.
As with many things, time often dulls the shine and significance of an event. As a
country moves from generation to generation, much is lost in translation and the
lessons thatwere learnt byparents and forefathersmaydisappear like smoke in the
wind. ReubenMiranda speaks to a cross-section of the community to delve deeper
into the mindsets of Malaysians about the country’s upcoming Independence Day
and what it means to be a Malaysian.
Merdeka:
Ong
was born in Kuala Lumpur and was
raised in Petaling Jaya, then Ipoh and
then moved back to Petaling Jaya again.
His early formative school years were
spent at St Michael’s Institution and Bukit
Bintang Boys School, two very prominent
government school during his time.
A Mix Of All Races
He had a very interesting childhood, as
his father was in the civil service and was
often transferred to different places. This
meant that the family also got to see and
experience the places that his father was
based at. “From Form 5 onwards, I was
back in Petaling Jaya, at Bukit Bintang
Boys School. This is not just where I got
my formal education but is also where
I developed my social skills. My friends
then were a mix of all races, Indian,
Chinese and Malay,”
He said that everyone shared their
lunches with one another, irrespective of
race or religion, and played all the games
that he suspects do not exist nowadays -
rounders, throwing the slipper and puffing
on ice cream sticks.
One Heart, One Soul
Ignatius Ong - CEO Firefly Airlines
Beneficial Skills And Values
Ong feels that Malaysia is truly unique because the country is
blessed with such a multicultural society. “Independence has
meant that we have a history that we can be absolutely proud
of and we built Malaysia to where it is today, without having
to rely on others. However, in today’s globalised world, being
independent does not mean that we must continue to do
things on our own. Malaysians need to evolve to form smart
partnerships to take advantage of speed and quality when
delivering products and services.”
Though he agrees that Malaysians have skills and values that
are beneficial to their careers and daily lives, things which
have developed through living in a diverse society, he
fears that such diversity is not being harnessed
well. “I seemore race polarisation today, which
is quite disheartening to me. I believe the
government and people needs to put aside
any personal agenda andwork together for
the good of everyone.”
He is very proud to be Malaysian and
said that no matter how fast the world
changes, Malaysianswill always retain
their “traditional heart.” “Malaysians
have learnt mutual respect for each
other’s ways and religions, and
this cornerstone of any society
will take the country far.”