For many, Malaysia Day 2015 will probably go down in history not only as a day of infamy, but also the day that Umno-inspired (and sponsored) racism unashamedly revealed itself for the whole world to see.

Much has already been written about the events of the day and new angles are even now being explored and exploited, especially by the mainstream media, to justify the rally of what some have called the red rempit rally.

A rally allegedly led by a chronically failed businessman and shameful ex-army officer who somehow loves to show off his butt. All of which makes us wonder sometimes how much of our taxpayers’ money goes towards propping up failed entrepreneurs and what shenanigans go on in the Malaysian armed forces.

But, no, this piece that I am writing in Kota Baru, Kelantan, is not about these miscreants. It is about another side of Malaysia Day 2015, and more.

It is about decent Malaysians - like activist and columnist, Azrul Mohd Khalib, who organised a Malaysia Day picnic while the red yobs were stomping about and howling hateful slogans. The same Azrul who in his column has been urging all of us to think and care for each other as Malaysians.

This piece, more specifically, is about this Malaysian ‘Chinaman’, as he calls himself, who, on Malaysia Day, organised a small do for Malaysians in a little Malay café in Raub, Pahang. Many did travel the two-plus hours from KL on the day itself to join him for a spread that included the most succulent roast lamb to be found on the peninsula.

Some had never met him before, but had been following his journey through his Facebook postings and those on his Project Wumah page.

There was no hatred; not a single threat was uttered; and no voice was raised in anger. They had come together not only to celebrate Malaysia Day, but also to celebrate the effort, the commitment and the downright gall of this 40-plus year old pub owner.

Because David Wu, this seemingly unfit chain smoker who drinks like a fish, had embarked on a walk that began on Sept 9 at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

It’s a walk that would take him all the way to Kota Baru in early October. And every day, he would dedicate the walk to something or someone close to his heart, including his mother and his late sister.

And this has been no ordinary walk.

Last year, when the worst floods in many years hit the East Coast, David was one of the many Malaysians who rushed to Kelantan, without a plan, but with a caring heart, wanting to help those affected.

It is certainly indicative of the failure of government that David and many other voluntary groups and individuals found so many people suffering and in need of assistance.

Daily anguish continues

And their suffering hasn’t ended.

Despite their no longer being deemed newsworthy and because aid evidently has been reduced to a trickle for many, their daily anguish continues.

It is this that David is trying to address in his individual way - the abject, hardcore poverty, the feeling of hopelessness and of being abandoned, the human haemorrhage.

His aim, ever since he got to know the suffering as human beings and not just statistics, has been to help fund the rebuilding of one of the small kampung outside Kota Baru.

He has invested his own money into Project Wumah and many other Malaysians have chipped in.

His long walk is meant to publicise not only the project, but also the suffering.

And, of course, to get fellow Malaysians not only to utter clichés like Just Wu It, Kipidap and Dongibap, as he has continued his walk to Kota Baru, but also to provide much-needed funds for the project to be completed successfully... and for the next level to begin.

There have been critics, of course. In response, David has said, “Projek Wumah is not a charity. It is an extension of friendship, plain and simple.”

And without mincing his words, he continues:

“If you think you have a better way or method, why don't you get off your comfortable chair and do it? I'm not challenging you, I am in fact encouraging. Do something you believe in, instead of scrutinising others and offering suggestions from a distance.

“Don’t tell others what to do, or how it should be done. Lead the way yourself, which is what Just Wu It is trying to tell you. Some people sit when they take a dump, while others squat. Both achieve the same result. No one needs to conform to anyone’s criteria when it comes to helping others.”

Strong words from, undoubtedly, a privileged individual - a well-off man of leisure who is in a position to do what he is doing.

But as I sat there sharing the most memorable and meaningful Malaysia Day meal and gathering ever with David and other Malaysians in Raub; and as now I sit here in haze-free Kota Baru on this Saturday, Oct 3, excited at the prospect of walking the last stretch with David and others, I can only say:

Better a well-off man of leisure who recognises the marginalised, the suffering and the poor and genuinely wants to help, than a leader and a regime that won’t stop shafting us all - privileged and under-privileged - while smirking uncaringly and arrogantly.

ROM NAIN is a media analyst and academic who is weary of incompetent, unethical leaders and their apologists and spin doctors in the media who try to get away with murder while professing to rub shoulders with God’s angels.