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The formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, brought about hopes and a bright shining future for a newly birthed nation made up of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore. After Singapore left in 1965, Malaysia continued her struggles and growth with teething pains.

The formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, brought about hopes and a bright shining future for a newly birthed nation made up of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore. After Singapore left in 1965, Malaysia continued her struggles and growth with teething pains.

Fast forward 59 years later, the Malaysia we know today is riddled with corruption, racism, hate speech, xenophobia and the list goes on. The Keluarga Malaysia concept coined by current prime minister, Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri, does not hold water when double standards are practised.

The rakyat continue to witness their lawmakers exhibit lack of mannerism, quality and civility in their parliamentary debates. How is this a good example of Keluarga Malaysia when parliamentary debates often end up with name-calling, sexism and colourism with perpetrators getting a slap on the wrist, if at all?

The prosecution of human rights defenders continues to plague activists and civil society. Vitriolic behaviour towards irregular migrant communities continue to flourish, children born overseas Malaysia mothers are denied citizenship but all we see is never-ending politicking with a play of religion on politics.

The institutional reform, for which the CSO Platform for Reform was formed, continues to be the core of our agenda. We have held engagements with political parties, politicians, state agencies, dignitaries, civil society and grassroot communities to discuss the reform agenda.

While some MPs/ADUNs are difficult to access, some are committed to having these dialogues with civil society organisations. This should be the way forward if the government of the day, as policy makers, want to be seen to be effectively listening to their potential voters.

Nonetheless, there is the Malaysia that we all know and love: one that is profound and inherent amidst the chaos of negativity. Our country still stands proud. In the uncertainty of COVID-19, the #kitajagakita and bendera putih movement became a strong unifying factor. In the three devastating and debilitating floods of Taman Sri Muda, Penampang, and Baling, thousands rose to help. When the government changed hands three times after the 14th General Election, the civil society remained united.

While Keluarga Malaysia may not be as inclusive as it is supposed to be, we, the people of Malaysia will continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom of assembly, and other salient push for reforms so that Malaysia will be the Malaysia that we know, once more.

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