Bangsa Malaysia? Dream on........

Categories: Malaysia

Today I happened to watch a repeat of Debat Perdana on TV1. There were four panelist - one UMNO MP from Sarawak, one UMNO MP from Perak, one DAP MP from Wilayah and the President of Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS). What struck me most was not the "openess" in the discussions on Sekolah Wawasan or integration of various races but the animosity and the outright disrespect between the panelist! Except for the MP from Sarawak, it was very obvious that the Perak MP and the GPMS president are very "uncomfortable" sitting together with the DAP MP. They criticised - not the views by the DAP MP - but DAP policies at every given chance. The Sarawak MP however showed maturiy by not criticising the political party but really put forward opinions and rebuts any counter proposal. This is the type of political people we need - mature, able to debate arguments and accept alternative views; not one who is very emotional. If is sad to see our politician criticised for the sake of criticism just because the alternative view comes form the opposition. It is hilarious to see the DAP member loss her cool after her party was criticised for their position on the Sekolah Wawasan and the NEP issues. She rightfully pointed out that why are the two peninsular UMNO MP criticised her party when she have not even criticised their bias opinions! The chairman, in his feeble attempt, had a hard time stopping her. Maybe he felt the same as the opposition MP.

One of the topic touched upon is the bangsa Malaysia. I think this will remain a dream. After 40 years of independence, it is sad to see our politician of different ideology not mature enough to sit down together and have a good debate without being overly emotional. If you are emotional how are you going to discuss things over? When things got "out of hand" to the question what constitutes the Bangsa Malaysia, the Sarawak MP calmly interjected and said "Why don't the chairman ask me? In Sarawak we have over fourty races and tribes and we live together without any problem. You should have asked me."

Sadly after he said this the broadcast was stopped for the afternoon news. Too bad I missed the rest of the program.