Malaysia turns 49 today and there is much debate as to whether the present political climate has affected National Day celebrations.

Malaysiakini asked several NGO and political leaders whether recent racial remarks - namely those made by Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin against the Chinese community - has made the Merdeka joy somewhat somber.

Here is what they have to say:


Wong Nai Chee, Kota Melaka MP and MCA central committee member

I am worried and afraid that we are on the wrong track. We are coming to half a century (since independence) but our country's political roadmap is still entrenched on racial lines. We are talking about globalisation. We have to see Malaysia as a whole, and not to compartmentalise Malaysia by race.

We should not project the kind of scenarios that if one race win, the others lose. What is good for the country is good for all, irrespective of race. I must stress I am not attacking Article 153 (pertaining to bumiputera privileges) of the Federal Constitution.

We should see things in a broader perspective - which are of concern, and affecting, all regardless of majority or minority - for discussion. For example, the prime minister's (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) instruction for no discussion on Article 11 (freedom of religion), I don't think it is correct. We are just keeping the problem with us, and not resolving it.

My wish for Merdeka is for people to have the kind of courage to accept public debate on a rational basis as a way to resolve differences in our country on all kind of matters, whether they are the Article 11 debate or the Khairy Jamaluddin's controversy.


Idris Haron, Malacca's Tangga Batu MP and Umno Youth exco member

Every year when we celebrate Merdeka, the spirit of Merdeka is revived and rejuvenated. This will lead us to more common understanding and maximise the common grounds and minimise the differences we have in order to pursue peace and harmony.

The controversy created from the remarks made by Khairy is a storm in a teacup and we, the Barisan Nasional leaders, will sit down and talk. It is not a big problem.

It was wise for Khairy to put up this statement reminding Umno Youth to stay in solidarity. I believe if I were to hear MCA and MIC Youth leaders making the similar remarks, I would not mind because this is the way to make their youth members to stay united too.

My wish for the Merdeka is we must see the future as an opportunity for us to develop and prepare ourselves to meet future challenges.


Meera Samanther, Women's Aid Organisation president

The political system here is not based on issues but on race. The politics of race is our major undoing. If we want a united Malaysia we should make issues the concern of all.

Politics should be transcended down to the people without eradicating discussions on gender, race and religious issues.

I am patriotic in my heart and in working on human rights issues for fellow Malaysians, myself and for future generations. I believe that actions speak louder than words.

Khairy has a right to say his piece, but he has perpetuated a divide, not unity. Our forefathers intended the people to be united, not divided. He can have his right to say he is Malay but I too have a right to say I'm Malaysian and I have my rights.


Ronnie Liu, DAP national committee member

Some top government leaders have complained about the lack of enthusiasm in flying the national flag and even accused those who fail to do so as unpatriotic. It has something to do with how far we have succeeded as a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society after 49 years of independence.

Racial slurs from the mouths of top government leaders could be heard every other day and numerous biased and divisive pro-bumiputera policies are here to stay. These two factors itself have turned away many from the Merdeka celebration.

The powers-that-be cannot even look at our history of Independence straight and truthfully. They have chosen to rewrite history to serve their political agenda instead of giving credit to all our forefathers who really fought and sacrificed in the struggle for Independence. This is another reason why some Malaysians were not too keen in joining the celebration.

Top government leaders should stop pointing fingers to the ordinary citizens but to repent for their misdeeds and take steps to remove all racial policies. That would certainly go a long way in creating a truly fair and just society. When the day has come, no one needs to remind Malaysians to fly the flag.


Dr Syed Husin Ali, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president

First, I want to say the government's plans on national unity is a total flop. As you can now see is greater division on not just racial matters but on religious ones too. There is now a dangerous undercurrent which could be a ticking time bomb.

Even when our forefathers fought for independence, they wanted improvement among the poor and those in the lower strata of society. Per capita income has increased and national productivity has gone up, but distribution has been unfair.
Merdeka would not quite happen unless the government alleviates poverty across the board especially to lower income groups.


Yusri Mohamad, President of Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim)

As Malaysia is a country that consists of different races, Abim is confident that efforts to strengthen ties between ethnic groups will continue to be undertaken. We need to jointly emphasise that the formula in bridging ethnic groups and religious tolerance that has been in place are good enough and do not require extraordinary efforts to change this position.

The younger generation needs to be counseled to experience and understand the nation's history to become citizens that are more responsible, patriotic, law abiding, peace loving and abides by the constitution. These are elements which are important and cannot be taken lightly.