Setting the course straight towards Tunku's vision
This opinion piece argues that Malaysia has drifted away from the inclusive, multi-racial vision established by its first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The author contends that the nation has regressed since the late 1960s and that current political leadership continues to prioritize flawed policies over the well-being of the citizenry.
Why it matters
It highlights ongoing socio-political tensions and debates regarding national identity and governance in Malaysia.
YOURSAY | 'Independence only comes when true racial integration is recognised, equal opportunities exist for all.'COMMENT | Merdeka at 69: Reclaiming Tunku's inclusive visionApanama is Back: Why is the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman’s inclusive vision forgotten, and what happened? It is not forgotten in the real sense. It is deliberately forgotten, and the nation took a wrong turn in the late 60s and early 70s. The rest is history.While the inclusive vision is almost dead with Tunku, what surprises most people is that politicians are willing to pursue a completely wrong vision and even defend it at the expense of people's well-being.Back in 1957, Malaysians would ask, "We are here as a new and young independent state, and where do we want to be next?"When we talk about “next”, a country will always strive for the best.
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