The 50:44 coalition, which consists of over 20 civil society organisations (CSOs) and communities, launched their 10-day celebration of the nation's other history on Saturday at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.

"The purpose of this event is to bring reality to a nation high on celebration," said Jerald Joseph (left), director of Komas.

With the general election looming, the questions and ideas raised by the coalition will doubtless have a significant impact on society.

"This event marks the most concentrated effort by NGOs in the last decade," said Sonia Rhandawa from the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

Including all Malaysians

Each of the 10 days will be themed to enable a thorough discussion of a wide range of issues, including sexuality, migration and refugees, the environment, freedom of expression as well as race and religion.

There will be a variety of different styles of approach used to facilitate discussion and participation. Forums, film screenings, competitions, theatre productions, workshops and art exhibitions are among the events lined up.

"We want to cater to as many different people as we can," said Jerald.

He also cited the choice of location as being influenced by this desire to reach out to the public, with the Central Market annexe easily accessible to all levels of society.

Besides this, the coalition has taken steps to ensure that East Malaysia's (Sabah and Sarawak) celebration of only 44 years of Merdeka is not forgotten through its name, 50:44, as well as through its choice of dates.

"Malaysia Day marks the culmination of our programme as many Malaysians have forgotten that Malaysia as a body only came to exist on the 16th of September, 1963. We cannot just limit ourselves to the official government stories."

Merdeka?

A short film titled Malaysia's Other History, which was screened to members of the press and representatives of the coalition, highlighted events in the nation's past that have been marginalised or ignored by the mainstream media such as the role of the communists in liberating the nation from Japanese occupation and the impact of development on indigenous people.

"The concept that we have achieved independence in Malaysia rather than just a new form of colonialisation should be challenged," said Sonia.

"There has been an increase in the maturity of our nation, but a decrease in the rights enjoyed by her people."

"We must ask why the majority of people are facing hardship at the hands of the minority."

That these issues will be raised at a time when activists such as the Anti-ISA Movement (GMI) and MTUC launch nationwide efforts to change the status quo of our country is significant.

The film will be screened in English, Malay and Chinese throughout the 10-day celebration.

Looking to the future

The 50:44 coalition aims to not only discuss the past and its influence on today's nation, but also to examine ways in which the future can be shaped.

Participants in each themed event will be consulted regarding the changes that they hope or expect to see made to the country.

At the end of the celebration, key ideas will be summarized in the handing over of a memorandum to the government on Malaysia Day.

"We want to provide a critical contribution to a government wary of criticism," explained Jerald.

"The aim is to create an image of Malaysia as we want it to be, rather than what we are told it should be."

The role of organisations such as Youth 4 Change and La Sallian Youth in the coalition could clearly be seen at the event, providing an encouraging indication of increasing activism on the part of Malaysia's youth.

"The enthusiasm of the young people here today gives us hope at a time when apathy and disinterest appear to be swallowing our nation."

HON YI WEN is an intern with Malaysiakini.