Peace - It's Every Malaysian's Merdeka Wish

It’s every Malaysian’s Merdeka wish that we all live in harmony. We have enjoyed peace and stability all these years, and let us all pray that Malaysia will continue to be a nation that is peaceful, united and prosperous.

We have said “No” to the racial riots of May 13, 1969 and there’s nothing that we can do to erase that bloody event from our Malaysian history. As the day of our independence draws nearer, let us all remind ourselves that no one stands to gain from inciting racial or religious sentiments.

Ahead of our 51^st Merdeka Day, I would like to take this opportunity to call on everyone, irrespective of their political ideologies, to set aside their differences and work together towards making Malaysia a truly great place to live in.

Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk N. Parameswaran made an interesting point last Monday when he wished that Malaysians would go back to the good old days of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, the legendary Malay film icon.

He said Malaysians should emulate what they see in P. Ramlee movies, which depicted them living together in harmony.

"We should begin to appreciate the differences in our races and religions. I like to see this happen as it is important," Param said. In other words, a country with different races but all living in unity and with little discord.

For someone who is “a product of May 13 1969” , Param’s words are worth pondering. Let it not be his Merdeka wish alone, but the wishes of all of us that we should appreciate the differences in our races and religions and live in unity.

It is also our Prime Minister’s wish that Malaysians continue to live in unity irrespective of their political differences, when he unveiled the Budget 2009 in parliament today.

“I pray to God that our future generation will inherit a nation that is peaceful, united and prosperous,” said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he wrapped up his speech.