I was just reading Veron's, KH's and Jeannie's blog and I felt terrible. I felt like a shitty, craphead, lousy Malaysian. I used to be very patriotic. I used to condemn overseas grads for not returning to their beloved country and help the country in any way that they could. Little did I know that one day I would be one of them. One of those people who have forgotten their roots.
However, I shift the entire blame to the country itself. If your country does not treat you the way it's supposed to be, do you reckon you will be getting on the first flight home after you graduate? You will of course face a dilemma. The dilemma every graduate faces. Most will be evaluating the pros and cons. The pros of going home: FAMILY. COST OF LIVING. MAMAK. The cons of going home: DISCRIMINATION. NO HUMAN RIGHTS. LACK OF DEMOCRACY. LACK OF FREEDOM. INEFFICIENCY of public transport and government offices. RISK of being detained by ISA. And the list continues...
I'm not saying Melbourne is perfect. No, it's not! The aussies can be dickheads sometimes. You will definitely face some sort of racism. Shops here close at 6pm. Weather here is temperemental. The lifestyle here is at a slower pace. But...BUT at least I can go in front of the parliament building and hold a sign that says 'Remove KEVIN RUDD from the government or Say NO to KEVIN RUDD' and not face any risk of being detained and charged. That's the big difference between democracy in Malaysia and democracy in Australia. We as citizens of a democratic country should have the right to voice our opinion. The right to have equal rights among ourselves regardless of race, age and gender.
But I guess in Malaysia that will never happen. The country will forever belong to the Malays just like the name portrays it to be.
However, I shift the entire blame to the country itself. If your country does not treat you the way it's supposed to be, do you reckon you will be getting on the first flight home after you graduate? You will of course face a dilemma. The dilemma every graduate faces. Most will be evaluating the pros and cons. The pros of going home: FAMILY. COST OF LIVING. MAMAK. The cons of going home: DISCRIMINATION. NO HUMAN RIGHTS. LACK OF DEMOCRACY. LACK OF FREEDOM. INEFFICIENCY of public transport and government offices. RISK of being detained by ISA. And the list continues...
I'm not saying Melbourne is perfect. No, it's not! The aussies can be dickheads sometimes. You will definitely face some sort of racism. Shops here close at 6pm. Weather here is temperemental. The lifestyle here is at a slower pace. But...BUT at least I can go in front of the parliament building and hold a sign that says 'Remove KEVIN RUDD from the government or Say NO to KEVIN RUDD' and not face any risk of being detained and charged. That's the big difference between democracy in Malaysia and democracy in Australia. We as citizens of a democratic country should have the right to voice our opinion. The right to have equal rights among ourselves regardless of race, age and gender.
But I guess in Malaysia that will never happen. The country will forever belong to the Malays just like the name portrays it to be.
1 bullshits:
Very well said Damien ! but at least we have the choice to experience both countries to come to realize the good and bad of Msia instead of being home and only seeing the bad! Be the optimist :) Hehe...
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