By 𝐘𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦
Pic social media.
“I believe in a Malaysia where being Malay is not a privilege, but a responsibility.’
On September 16, 2025, my Malaysia will celebrate its 60th Malaysia day.
That’s just a year and two weeks more, to the day I met my other half on September 3rd 1966.
As on every Malaysia day, I want to say something, if I may:
I am Malaysia. And I am Malay. But I do not believe this land belongs only to me.
I am part of a nation built by many hands, many hearts, and many hopes.
Our stories are intertwined, our futures shared.
I’ve seen how race and religion have been used to divide us.
Sometimes, even within my own community, I hear words that make me cringe.
Words that suggest others are less Malaysian, less deserving, less “us.”.
And I feel uneasy. Because I know this isn’t who we are meant to be.
To my fellow Malaysians who are Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Eurasian, Chindian, Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, Bajau, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bisaya, Orang Sungai, Tidong, Suluk, Iranun, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Penan, and more, I see you. I honour your contributions.
And I believe this country is yours, is ours, as much as it is mine.
You’ve built this land alongside us. You’ve loved it, defended it, and you’ve helped shape it.
And though some of our politicians want to deny it, I acknowledge your contributions, and I will say they are wrong.
You deserve to feel fully at home here. Because Malaysia is as much yours as it is mine.
I also want to speak, gently, about something close to my heart.
As a Muslim, I hold my faith dearly.
But I’ve noticed how, at times, religion is drawn into politics in ways that trouble me. Islam is a faith of compassion, justice, peace and humility.
It should never be used to instil fear, or to exclude.
I say this not to accuse, but to remind. That our faith, like our nation, is strongest when it uplifts everyone.
I believe in a Malaysia where being Malay is not a privilege, but a responsibility.
Where Islam is practiced with sincerity, not politicised.
Where our differences are not threats, but blessings.
I am Malaysia.
And I want my children and grand-children, and my first great grandchild, who will be arriving in a few weeks, to be part of a future where we all walk forward together.
With dignity, with respect, and with love for everybody, and for this land we all call home.
Editor: The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect that of talantang.com
This article has appeared in the writer’s FB.
