Dear Editor,

Being a Malaysian student in UK, I certainly have a sense of pride in me every time I talk about my nation in front of an international audience as at each time, the first aspect that comes to my mind is our multi racial community and how we harmoniously live together as one nation, unity in diversity at its best. That factor is certainly what makes Malaysia truly unique.

However, in recent times, I must admit that certain issues occurring in Malaysia are indeed very disappointing and tarnish the image of our country in the global arena. The same group of friends to whom I proudly talked about Malaysian unity is questioning me on the stability of our nation now.

Truly, I am more afraid myself than embarrassed. Where are we heading with the 1Malaysia concept that our PM introduced? Perhaps it is time to realise that spreading a slogan isn’t good enough to bring a nation together. What matters is how many of us Malaysians truly believe that we are one.

When are we going to start looking not at the colour of our skin, but at the colours of jalur gemilang that should be painted in the spirits of us all? Implementation is not what we need, realisation is. Diversity should not lead to divergence.

It doesn’t matter how many Malaysians know about the 1Malaysia concept. All that matters is how many of us feel that we are one nation. It is this realisation that is going to keep us as one.

We Malaysians must realise that we not only share the success of our nation, but every time there is something that brings down the image of Malaysia, we are part of it. In my opinion, that sense of belonging is what unity is all about.

Perhaps it’s time to start accepting that 1Malaysia will only be a reality when each and every person, be it Abraham, Ali, Ah Kow or Anbu, starts realising that it is we who form this nation. WE ARE MALAYSIA.!

Susan Maria Michae
Manchester, UK