I REMAIN deeply committed to the belief that Malaysia, the land of my birth, merits every effort to uphold and protect. The divisions we face now seem unparalleled, a far cry from the days of my youth, when racial differences were secondary to our collective pursuit of Wawasan 2020 and the dream of becoming a unified Bangsa Malaysia. Those times, now blurred by the distance of memory, were marked by a shared optimism that feels increasingly elusive.
The economic downturn reflected in the freefalling of the ringgit, the continuation of divisive politics and the disillusionment from witnessing corrupt figures facing minimal consequences paint a grim picture of our national trajectory. It's as if Malaysia is spiralling into an unrecognisable state, a notion that weighs heavily on the heart.
My country, the land where my roots run deep and my history is interwoven with the very soil, is my home in the truest sense. This lyric from our national anthem, Tanah tumpahnya darahku, evokes a profound connection to Malaysia, a place that has nurtured me and where my loyalties lie.
Yet, amidst the familiar landscapes and the faces of my compatriots, there's an unsettling shift. The sense of belonging, once as solid as the ground beneath my feet, is gradually eroding, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand. This change, subtle yet persistent, prompts a reflection on identity, belonging and the essence of calling a place home.
Despite this turbulence, I cling to hope. The breadth of perspectives found in our literature, as rich and varied as Malaysia itself, serves as a beacon.
The following books remind me that the lessons of history and the resilience of Malaysians are powerful forces. They underscore a profound truth: the spirit and potential of our people are not to be underestimated.
In the face of daunting challenges, it is this enduring hope and belief in the capacity of Malaysians to overcome adversity that sustains my faith in our nation's future.
We are more than the sum of our current struggles, and it is within our collective power to forge a path back to unity and progress.
The End of the Nineteen Nineties
Author: Hafiz Noor Shams
Publisher: Matahari Books
359 pages
IN the 1990s, economist Hafiz Noor Shams was young and full of hope, swept up in the optimism of the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad era. It was a time when Malaysia felt unstoppable, with achievements like Proton Saga, Petronas Twin Towers, and victories in the 1992 Thomas Cup and the 1998 Commonwealth Games showcasing our spirit and ambition. "Malaysia Boleh!" was more than a slogan; it was a reflection of our can-do attitude and cultural pride.
As the radiant sheen of the 1990s dimmed, the realities that lay beneath its optimistic veneer began to surface. What was once obscured by the era's successes became glaringly apparent — political turmoil, pervasive corruption, and a fracturing national identity.
Hafiz's sharp critique on racism and the divisive nature of racial politics offers a compelling insight into this transformation.
The sense of unity and "Malaysianness" that defined the 1990s, and in which he firmly believed, gradually morphed into a state of bitterness, division and insecurity. This shift marked a stark departure from the hopeful vision of Malaysia, revealing a nation grappling with its own complexities and challenges.
The End of the Nineteen Nineties is a captivating read that balances historical facts with personal observations, offering a reflective journey back to a time of optimism and what could have and should have been — a period that promised much but delivered differently.
Hafiz's summation of his work poignantly captures the essence of this exploration: "It is a broad sweep of Malaysian history. It is a bit of retelling by a person who grew up during the decade. It is written by a person who loved the country, fell out of love, and then ends up in a situationship."
Sang Kancil: A Tale of How Ordinary Malaysians Defied The Odds
Author: James Chai
Publisher: Penguin Randomhouse SEA Pte Ltd
314 pages
JAMES Chai harnesses the essence of traditional Malaysian folklore to illuminate the extraordinary feats of ordinary Malaysians. Just as the cunning and resourceful Sang Kancil, a small yet clever mousedeer from the stories, outwits larger adversaries, Chai's collection of stories showcases real-life individuals who, despite being "diminutive" in the face of "greater villains and bigger obstacles", have used their wit, determination and spirit to defy the odds and effect change.
Through these narratives, Chai draws a parallel between the folklore's lessons of intelligence over might, and the inspiring stories of Malaysians making a significant impact in their communities and beyond, reinforcing the idea that anyone, regardless of size or strength, can make a difference.
From a 70-year-old woman leading Malaysia's largest protest and toppling a long-standing regime, to a mother overcoming gender and racial biases to win a prestigious scientific award; a government servant exposing a massive financial scandal; a punk artist becoming a symbol of resistance; an indigenous retiree securing a monumental environmental victory; a leaderless Sikh group orchestrating a massive flood rescue, to a once underachieving student capturing a Pulitzer Prize — Chai's anthology celebrates the indomitable spirit of individuals who, against all odds, have made significant impacts, echoing the timeless message that wit and determination can indeed conquer might.
Should you ever worry that Malaysia is on a path to despair, rest assured that its ordinary citizens, transcending race and creed, will be the ones to steer the nation back on course.
Chai's engaging narratives serve as a powerful reminder that the power to shape our nation lies not in the hands of political leaders, but in our own. This is the book to get, if you need a dose of inspiration!
