The nation is to mark its 52nd year of independence in just several days. As we celebrate this auspicious occasion it may be pertinent to pause and ponder our achievements, our problems and the direction we are heading as a nation.

Can we say that we are truly far better off as a nation than we were at the time of independence? Do we really have the 1Malaysia that we are proudly proclaiming to the world?

We have done well to some extent, economically, but when it comes to basic human development, democracy, morality and racial unity we must admit that we are still far from where we should have been.

Our nation is plagued by rampant corruption, high crime rate, declining standard of education, racial and religious tensions, unethical political rivalry, disregard for law and order, and above all, suspicion and ill-feelings toward fellow Malaysians of different race and religion.

Despite great strides in various fields, our continued progress in this competitive global world is hindered by racial polarisation, politicised public institutions and unhealthy political rivalry.

Fifty-two years may have passed but the nation is still deeply divided by race and religion. Deteriorating race relations has become the greatest worry and its repercussions are threatening the peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

Where are we as Malaysians today? By right we should be nearer to the ideal state of a united Malaysia where everyone regardless of race and religion would have an equal stake in the fortunes and misfortunes of our nation.

We should have been nearer a state where all citizens have equal opportunities in education, scholarships and job opportunities both in the public and private sectors.

We should be nearer a state where we have mutual respect for and accept graciously the traditions and cultures of those different from ours. Unfortunately we are nowhere near this ideal scenario; instead we seem to be on divergent paths, moving away from that haven.

Politicisation of public institutions including the police, judiciary and most recently the MACC has seriously undermined their independence and impartiality.

This has created a negative perception of these institutions in the minds of the people, who see them as being biased and unfair to certain sections of the population.

On the political front, the results of the recent by-election show that people continue to demand a strong opposition, and envisage a possible evolution into a two-party system.

The establishment of a formal opposition coalition in the near future is a promising sign. It has managed to expose the various scandals and misdoings of the government, which was never possible before.

The government should encourage, not suppress, this positive political development which will bring lasting benefits to the country. All parties must work together for the well being of the rakyat.

Malaysians must a share a common dream, a dream that one day our nation becomes a fully developed nation and join other advanced democracies through whole-hearted contributions of all its citizens regardless of ethnicity, a day when all communities are accepted as equal and every citizen feels equally proud to be called Malaysians.

As we gather at mosques, temples and churches this Merdeka Day, let's pray that God will give our leaders the wisdom and courage to lead the nation to the dawn of a new Malaysia where all races can work together hand in hand without fear or suspicion to realise our common dream for a truly 1Malaysia.