Malaysia is 64 years of age today. In human terms, a person that old should have a wealth of experience and a high level of maturity. Such person is able to rationalise and assess things wisely before reaching a decision. But rarely do things play out as one would like or hope for.
The challenges to square up to are a lot for a man or woman, and monumental for a nation at any one time or era. It is even more so now with the Covid-19 pandemic, a threat that is shared globally.
Covid-19 is like a mega-tsunami, hitting us in waves since early last year. With the death toll worldwide reaching more than 4.5 million, it feels like there is no end to the assault, with emerging variants posing new threats. Seems like paralysis is at hand, but hope springs eternal.
In recent history, Malaysia has proven resilient in facing the odds. Starting from our independence in 1957, the nation has risen to manifold challenges. And just like it was then, our mindset now has never wavered, the goal — to overcome this pandemic as quickly as we can.
Leaders change but the process of nation-building goes on. From the first prime minister to the current one, the message is this; we are in this together.
Whether the challenges are internal or external, the spirit of togetherness has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for us. It is symbolised in a myriad of ways and represented at all levels of society.
Witness the caring side of Malaysians helping their friends and neighbours during tough times, celebrating en masse any achievement by Malaysians in any international arena, and appreciating the multiracial and varied cultural values we have as a nation.
The Malaysia Prihatin theme of the Merdeka celebrations this year personifies all that. But where do we go from here, and how do we get there? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently restated the starting point of the country's journey when he referred to the "Malaysian family" concept, which prioritises Malaysian values, unity and wellbeing.
A family that puts first such qualities will have a safe, healthy and prosperous life. The early Merdeka family succeeded in building that foundation through good policies, education and the awareness that the contribution of all races was needed for the nation's progress.
We have prevailed over the Communist insurgency, the Konfrontasi with our neighbour, the May 13, 1969, riots and various economic recessions. Malaysia is still standing strong and poised to ride the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
Last Wednesday, the sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah called for a new, superior, less confrontational political culture. This too, we need to embrace. Over the next 12 months, this is Malaysia's task — to rise again. To pick up the pieces and start back where we left off before the pandemic hit us.
Rebuilding will not be easy. The pandemic has ravaged our lives, the economy and many to a virus that scientists still do not fully understand. The goal is for Malaysia to be up and running again towards a developed and high-income nation. Post-Covid-19 Malaysia must be stronger than before. Happy 64th Merdeka, Malaysia.