LETTERS: Our country's progress in the past six decades has been the envy of many, but there have also been calls for further reforms and self-correction.
True adherence to the spirit of Merdeka means complete liberation from fears and threats, internally and externally, and full autonomy to decide our country's policies and paths in securing our interests and sovereignty.
Have we been able to independently chart our own course without pressure and influence from external players? The reality reflects otherwise. We have largely been at the mercy of external demands that require our acceptance of some conditions or quid pro quo in exchange for assurances and meeting urgent internal needs.
To say that the changing of the geopolitical and security landscapes requires flexibility and inescapable pandering to certain powers is akin to accepting a new form of infringement of our independence in policy formulation.
Changes over the decades in our foreign policy, from being pro-West to non-alignment and maintaining the stance of neutrality, have produced mixed results in some situations and dwindling prospects in other parameters.
Current entrenched and ingrained dependence on China reflects the vulnerability of our future resilience, the limited options and openings for our interests and creates continuous reliance on easy and rapid solutions to challenges.
Historical ties and roots are used as a pretext for greater links with China. Many have been upset by the call for a strategic review of our ties with China, citing the importance of Beijing to our interests and salvaging our economic lifeline.
Critics, especially from within the Malaysian Chinese community, have been accused of being unfaithful to their roots and a traitor to the cause of their community, even being labelled as spies of Washington.
One of the arguments includes the notion that China is our neighbour and is here to stay, at least geographically, so we have no choice but to preserve the status quo for long-term stability.
While cultural pride is natural, it remains highly critical that the core tenet of patriotism, pride and duties be firmly rooted in our ultimate role as Malaysians in exercising our obligations and duties to our country, come what may.
We as Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, have no obligation or duty to pander to any foreign player's intentions and agenda, regardless of historical affiliation.
We definitely are unable to choose our neighbours and we cannot change the fixed doorway and back lane shared with them. But we are in control of how we design our front door, windows and fence in facing our neighbour.
We have our own right and liberty to dictate the level of our windows and doors in ensuring that our long-term security and interests will be secured, regardless of how much we trust our immediate or distant neighbours.
Our current dilemma remains that our fence and windows are being moulded according to our neighbour's frame and demands, and our front door is increasingly vulnerable to indirect tools of infringement.
This 65th National Day, we must reaffirm our non-negotiable and unshakeable faith and commitment to pride and patriotism for our beloved country.
Our patriotic duty and obligations remain the ultimate cause we should sacrifice for. Could we do better in standing up for our long-term sovereignty and security interests? Yes.
Do we commit to our duties as Malaysians and do our part as proud citizens only when there are pulling and incentivising factors? No.
We owe it to ourselves, the future generation and the nation to stand united in spearheading the progress and safeguarding the sanctity of our great country now and in the centuries to come.
COLLINS CHONG YEW KEAT
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times