I refer to the letter Forget Obama, why don't you all start speaking BM?

I'd like to thank the writer for bringing up Barack Obama in his/her letter and what his victory means to every Malaysian, irrespective of whether he or she is Orang Asal, Indian, Chinese, etc.

While there is no doubt about Obama's ability, his victory also lies on the backs of many who came before him. As someone wrote,

‘Crispus Attucks fell so that Rosa Parks could sit,

Rosa Parks sat so that Dr Martin Luther King could march,

Dr Martin Luther King marched so that Barack Obama could run,

and Barack Obama is running so that our children and grandchildren can fly.’

This alone is a spark of hope for millions of minority Malaysians.

The writer presumes to know what it takes to be a ‘true Malaysian’. He/She tells non-Malays to forget about a non-Malay becoming a prime minister in light of Barrack Obama's recent victory. He/She also tells us to speak the national language more often and with pride.

In the writer’s mind, being ‘Malaysian’ is to embrace the language and culture of a single ethnic group wholeheartedly and unreservedly. Quite clearly, the presence of other languages and cultures, as being part and parcel of the Malaysian melting pot is irrelevant.

The writer also appears to ignore the fact that many generation’s non-Malays helped build Malaysia into one of South-East Asia's most dynamic nations. Also, the fact that many generations of non-Malays fought and died defending Malaysia, also seems irrelevant in defining what it is to be Malaysian.

Instead, the writer has chosen to cherry pick the Malay language as the centerpiece of his/her argument of what it takes to be Malaysian.

The letter then goes on to highlight that many American minorities have embraced the American language and culture, including Obama. In the writer’s mind, these are shining examples for non- Malays to follow in their quest towards becoming ‘accepted’ as Malaysians.

First of all, no non-Malay needs permission from anyone to be ‘accepted’ as Malaysian. We are Malaysian. Pure and simple.

Secondly, does one forget that the ancestors of many African-Americans were brought there as slaves? Does one not know that many were forced to give up their religion, their language, and their customs, often times at the tail-end of a whip? Perhaps the writer should read Alex Haley's book, Roots. Haley highlighted how his ancestor, Kunta Kinte, was brought to America as a slave, but refused to forget his Mandinka origins.

Instead, those origins were passed down from generation to generation to Haley himself. This prompted Haley to do research on his family roots all the way to Africa, and write the book.

Thirdly, the writer forgets that there is a sizeable Hispanic population in the US. Many still speak Spanish. As a matter of fact, State of the Union addresses and other presidential speeches are translated into Spanish, following a precedent set by Bill Clinton’s administration. So, what is the writer talking about?

Granted, not every non-Malay speaks the Malay language with the degree of fluency that the writer presumably has. But at least they understand it. Also, many non-Malays are tri-lingual. Can the same be said of the writer?

Now, he/she also seems to suggest that minorities must give up their cultural identities, including their languages, to be embraced as Malaysians. This suggestion is not very different from what many Indonesian Chinese did many decades ago. Many gave up their names, their language and even cultural identities. But were they accepted as ‘Indonesian’ by their fellow countrymen despite all of this? The events of 1998 seem to provide a resounding answer of ‘no’ to this.

So, while language is one key area towards unifying a nation, it is by no means the cornerstone of national unity. That cornerstone lies with justice, equal rights and respect. Put this in place, and we will be a stronger and more united nation. Unfortunately, the politicians of the day seem not to want national unity. Instead, they promote divisive racial politics.

The writer highlighted the fact that intellect alone does not guarantee political supremacy. He/ She went on to say that a nation's leader must also embody the national identity. It is precisely a consequence of Malaysians selecting imbecilic leaders with less intellect that our nation is in the mess that it is in today.

I suggest that the writer and all politicians start with accepting and embracing a Malaysian Malaysia with their hearts and souls. This is what it is going to take if Malaysia is to overcome all its problems, and is to join the ranks of progressive nations. No nation that has ever embraced race-based politics ever survived the ravages of time. This includes Nazi Germany, which exploded, and apartheid South Africa, which imploded.

At this juncture, I would like to suggest to all Malaysians to stop using the terms ‘Malay’ and ‘non-Malay’. It is too divisive. We are Malaysians. If we want to make a reference to it, I would suggest that the terms ‘majority Malaysians’ and ‘minority Malaysians’ be used instead.