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If we look at the various posters and banners for the 50th Merdeka celebrations, we see the portraits of the five prime ministers since independence. For the ordinary folks, the message that is sent is that these are the Malay leaders who brought about and managed independent Malaya/Malaysia. The role of the non-Malay leaders has been conveniently forgotten.

Many Malay leaders have spoken on the less-than-enthusiastic attitude of the non-Malays towards the 50th Merdeka anniversary celebrations. When the non-Malay leaders' roles in bringing about independence along with the Malay leaders have been conveniently forgotten and are not recognised officially, why should they feel involved and motivated?

If young Malaysians have been given a true historical perspective, including the role of non-Malay leaders during the Merdeka era and the various provisions that were put in place to safeguard each of the communities' interests, the younger generations will have a good understanding and appreciation of the country's background.

Unfortunately, the united approach for independence has never been emphasised in any of the history texts used in our schools - all because the powers-that-be want to project an image that the Malays were the only ones responsible for independence, and the 'others' were involved only by invitation.

Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin recently suggested that it will be a good idea to have a round table conference with the non-Malay leaders to discuss the 'social 'contract' that was made among the races during the Merdeka period. Presumably, this is only for the ruling coalition partners and he may be thinking that misconceptions can be solved by just talking to allies and promising them 'something' in the true sense of the 'Barisan spirit'.

But what about the ordinary people, and especially the young ones, who are growing up with distorted views on the background of this country? For example, how many Malay students have learned to appreciate the roles of the Chinese and Indians who plodded through hardships to lay a strong foundation for the development of this country? If the young ones are not exposed to such information, how are they going to live and work together without prejudices?

The antics that have come to the fore - whether it is due to the Merdeka celebrations or due to the

approaching general elections - confirms that the nation-building processes employed by the ruling group has been counter-productive, leaving the citizens divided and the younger generation very confused as to their stake in this country.

Are we taking the danger signs seriously? Or are we just hoping that everything will be fine (true to our Malaysian style) and wait until a tragedy strikes?

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