Yvonne Foong

Tomorrow is Merdeka Day, a day to celebrate Malaysia’s independence for the 49th year. I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight my realization in the past year. It may sound simple, but resounds deeply in my heart.

Since young, I am used to hearing racist remarks by some adults, who are fond of degrading other races, but God is always fair. While he has allowed me to understand the truth behind Malaysian politics in the past year, he also brought many people into my life to prove that the truth does not represent Malaysia as a whole.

By raising funds for surgery, God allowed myself to come in contact with helpful Malays who treat me as an equal citizen. They come with all kinds of help. From selling t-shirts, publishing advice, to monetary means. Even some kind Malay nurses in the hospital, Malay salesgirls, and government servants cause me to be at the brink of tears. They make me fuzzy and warm inside.

These are the people I want to celebrate Merdeka Day with, because they sincerely welcome me home. They accept me despite the different ethnicity. This realization seem to mock the racist comments made by authoritative politicians in the press, making them sound like a lame joke.

To think of this, I realized how much I love this country. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be bothered to take note of the huge contrast between reality and how our politicians try to segregate the people of this country. If things could always go my way, I’d like to gather up the non-racist Malays and store them in a treasure box beside my bed. They can be so kind, so loving. Why must they be given a false identity?

Posted in In My Humble Opinion |