LETTER | Reflecting on the essence of Merdeka

The essence of the Merdeka spirit resides in a soul that is not subservient to dictates of temporal orders of power and dominance but resides in humility and solidarity in serving humanity.

In the Malaysian context Merdeka should mean building a political, social and economic system that serves the common good that reflects multi-ethnic and religious solidarity.

We need an education system that is unitive and caters to those who can't afford it. 

We need a  health care system that serves all equally and not the current system where the best services are in places where one can pay the highest amount.

We need an environment with clean air, hillsides protected from unscrupulous corporate greed and a public transport system that helps reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere.

We need a social economic system where all stakeholders are included in discussions and where economic resources are shared equitably so that the talented from the poor and marginalised can be empowered.

True Merdeka spirit resides in focusing on the above instead of indulging in the tribalism of race and religion that only serves a vested political interest.

Therefore the Association for Welfare Community and Dialogue calls for the essence of the Merdeka spirit to be nurtured in the hearts of Malaysians in years to come.

Unfortunately, even though we have gotten rid of divisive British colonialism, ethno-religious politicians in our country still hold on to its spirit of divide and rule.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.