We, the rakyat, have this to say

The cynical person might believe that the change in government from the May 9 general election was the work of one political strategy winning over another.But for many, it was the victory of the people who had been clamouring for change and reform. Now, four months later, some of the dust from that watershed election has begun to settle, but the work goes on. And the people have not taken their eyes off that grand design. The Star asked regular Malaysians about their hopes and concerns as we move forward.

Franklin Simon, 31

Personal assistant, Kuching

After the 14th General Election, the country was labelled the “Gold Standard Democratic Nation”.

I hope this will inspire other struggling nations out there, that change for a better future is always possible, even when all seems bleak.

I also want to see equal development among all the states in Malaysia.

Being a Sarawakian, I want to see the day when our people will be empowered to empower others, for poverty to be eradicated, and for corruption and the abuse of power be the least of our worries.

Jonah Sam, 23

HR executive, Kuala Lumpur

Despite all the unresolved issues faced by our nation, I want to specifically emphasise the children.

I grew up in a foster home: Yayasan Sunbeams Home. This home has helped many unfortunate children and it provides all the necessities a child would ever need, like education, clothes, food and shelter.

I was helped and raised to be who I am today, and this has made me realise that not everyone is born fortunate.

However, we can all do our part in helping the unfortunate. So, I really hope to see all the unfortunate people out there, especially children, helped and groomed to become “somebody”.

Ku Muhamad Faridhwan Ku Aziz, 24

Student, Shah Alam

Malaysia Day is when the nation truly sees its own colour, as Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form a new Federation.

I hope with this “New Malaysia”, there will be no racial discrimination – we seem to be united merely on paper, but not in reality.

So, I hope the younger generation will start to take on leadership roles and change Malaysia to prevent corruption and discrimination, and for us Malaysians to keep on living in a harmonious manner.

Marianne Lipang Dennis, 24

E-commerce executive, Miri

I hope to see change in Malaysia in terms of the trust between the government and the people.

Leaders need to represent the people. They carry the hopes and burdens of the people, and I believe the strength of the bond between us will be one of the key factors in building a stronger and better Malaysia.

Anjoe Tan, 45

Company director, Kepala Batas

The multiracial and multicultural community in Malaysia best demonstrates the beauty of this nation. I hope to see a harmonious and united Malaysia, one where there is equal opportunity for all, not hampered by barriers, prejudices or preferences by race, religion or gender.

Marcus Woo, 29

Fashion merchandiser, Seremban

I long for a better Malaysia. I hope to see the label ‘1Malaysia’ where we really stand together as one – a place where racism, crime and corruption have been rejected; a place where democracy, accountability and equality are upheld.

Let’s make every day a Malaysia Day!

Christina Jawat anak Sigah, 23

Credit officer, Mukah

I hope all Malaysians, whether in east or west Malaysia, can unite as one so that we can be proud representatives of the nation wherever we go in the world.

I see Malaysia as a unique country because of our different races and religions, but if there are conflicts between us, we may ruin the country.

Hence, I hope, issues such as racism that can destroy the country are eradicated.

With this “New Malaysia”, we, as the rakyat, should rise together and leave behind the policies and actions of the old Malaysia.

Hafiz Kadir, 34

Senior communications strategist, Ampang

Malaysia Day is a very special day to me, and it is a day which is very close to my heart as I have family and friends that come from various backgrounds.

To me, no matter what our colour or religion is, we are all one big family. I hope Malaysia, the Asian Tiger, will “roar” again and become a respected nation all over the world.

I believe that with integrity and transparency, together we can build a greater Malaysia.

I am also looking forward to seeing improvements in our education system. We are slowly moving towards a digital world. Teaching and learning systems need to be digitalised and transformed so that students can experience a fast, modern, and fun way of learning.

Josie Alau Paul, 39

Media executive, Lawas

In the New Malaysia, we must not repeat the mistakes of the previous government. Issues that are not right must be rectified – no more corruption, and all people should be treated equally.

I hope the new government can lead the country to prosperity where we see greater economic development and a better quality of life for all the rakyat.

The new government should also listen to the people, by working with others from different backgrounds so that we can understand and appreciate each other better.

This is how we create national unity.

I am excited to see this New Malaysia because I see people are smiling so much more now!

Aresterina Jupilin, 25

Credit logistics officer, Kudat

Witnessing the formation of a new government made me realise that even though we come from different cultures and religious backgrounds, together we can make a difference.

I am very excited to know more about this new government’s plans for development in rural areas. I look forward to my kampung finally seeing development in a big way.

 

Debra Robert Leong, 38

Restaurateur, Penampang

We want to see more development, not just in terms of physical buildings but also in education and healthcare services, in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak.

I hope the government can provide more opportunities for small businesses in East Malaysia, so that people can support themselves. There is plenty of work to do in rural areas.

I really want to see the New Malaysia prioritising its citizens.

However, I wonder if the government would really be able to clean up all the corruption in this country. I am interested to see how this develops in the years to come.

Ahmad Faliq, 32

Marketing executive, Kuantan

Malaysia is blessed to have a diverse culture. We are already a great country, but my hope is for all of us to embrace our differences and unite to bring this country to greater heights.

I hope to see our country’s economy stabilise, while we also strive to eliminate racism and discrimination.

 

Kang Chin Hooi, 28

Sales executive, George Town

Malaysia is capable of becoming a leading Asian cultural melting pot. It’s very exciting that we are now constantly embracing changes not only in politics, but also in economics and in society.

I hope to see Malaysians having better civic-mindedness and manners, and overall, a First World mentality.

Ravendran Supramaniam, 43

Business manager, Ipoh

We must cherish our diversity and unique harmony as we portray the power of multiracialism in shaping modern society.

Our belief and ethnicity may vary but there is only one country to share and care for.

As Malaysians, we are blessed to live in a country full of opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere, without any natural disasters and with an abundance of natural resources.

As the nation moves forward, I hope to see a colour-blind government and a society that will serve all who are in need, and for leaders to be appointed based on their ability.

Yap Lai Yin, 42

Public educator, Kajang

This is really a New Malaysia! A brand new government that is willing to listen and prioritise the needs of its citizens.

I hope there will be a more comprehensive educational system that integrates the uniqueness of our beloved country while emphasising critical thinking as well as creativity.

Lucas Lim, 37

University design lecturer, Sungai Siput

Maybe some Malaysians think Malaysia Day is just another holiday, but for me, it is a day for all Malaysians to think about their contribution towards our country.

As I am from the creative design industry, I hope more Malaysians will value this industry more. The world is moving towards a creative economy, hence, Malaysia and Malaysians need to become more creative and innovative to be at the forefront of this new world order.

Mesh Sidhu, 33

Drilling engineer, Ipoh

My hope is that in the future, all our races are acknowledged as one race, the “Malaysian Race” – instead of Malay, Chinese, Indians, or Punjabis.

There are also many changes I wish to see happen in Malaysia but I were to just name one, it would be in sports.

We definitely have amazing talent which we need to identify from a young age. We need to nurture them, and invest in infrastructure, facilities and training.

With Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman taking charge, I hope to see one day, Malaysia finally winning a gold medal in the Olympics and perhaps even qualifying for the FIFA World Cup!