Malaysia will turn 49 tomorrow. However, the blessings of being Malaysian are slowly but surely being lost to factors once least thought to be a hindrance - that of religion.

Almost five decades after Malaysia broke free of the shackles of colonialism, our independence must be savoured like manna from heaven. Alas, that is not happening and might never happen if the status quo remains.

There is little display of the solidarity once synonymous with being Malaysian. Where has that spirit of 'love thy neighbour' disappeared? Malaysians today are suspicious of one another, with race and religion providing grounds for grouse.

Malaysia is home to almost 25 million people of three primary origins - Malay, Chinese and Indian - but has been labelled (by none other than former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad) as a moderate Islamic country.

When Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over the helm, he announced that Malaysia would be a fine Islamic country based on the principles of Islam Hadhari , i.e an interpretation of the faith through politics and ideology, where the emphasis is on moderation, technological and economic competitiveness.

Islam is the official religion as dictated by the constitution, but there is freedom of worship for all.

Still, the breathing space has been reduced with the commodious share enjoyed by the Malays. How then does one expect the Chinese and Indians to commemorate Merdeka with pride, as did our parents and grandparents?

Looking at the racial hostility that has slowly slithered among Malaysians, it will do Abdullah good to examine why and when the esprit de corp evaporated.

To shout Merdeka ! when Malaysians across the board enjoy little 'independence' is to make a mockery of the blood and sweat our elders had put into gaining the nation's freedom from colonial rule.

Despite third-generation technology today, the landscape of Malaysia has changed and that too for the worse. Gender inequality still abounds and sexuality issues are far from tolerated, with people from the minority groups regarded as pariahs of society.

Poverty lives on in this country which has gone on to build landmarks like the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Twin Towers.

Time for truth

What really does Abdullah hope to tell Malaysians when he delivers the annual Merdeka speech? Will the same old clichs be repeated about the importance of unity? Or will he have the courage to tell Malaysians the truth - that which they already know but are waiting to hear from their leader's mouth? Unlike during the Mahathir administration, there have been rare occasions when Abdullah has called a spade a spade.

He faces challenges in leading a multi-ethnic nation where tensions are bound to arise. But subjugate any group is not going to solve matters. His partiality toward Malays was apparent when he recently ordered that all states enforce laws and take steps to prevent people of different religions from spreading their beliefs to Muslims.

A Bernama report stated that Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak have yet to pass laws to prevent people of other faiths from spreading their beliefs to Muslims. Abdullah was quoted as reminding people to stop debating religious issues as this could cause racial tension.

"I have always said, do not raise this matter. But it emerges here, there, back and forth. If we take the attitude (not to raise), then only the religion (Islam) has the status quo ," he reportedly said.

He also said that Islam's position as the official religion was decided when the country gained independence in August 1957.

"Many matters had been decided upon because they hoped these would not become problems in the relationship among the people of Malaysia. That was their hope," Abdullah had said.

While his concern is understandable, he gave little thought to non-Malay sentiments when he declared Malaysia a nation of Islam Hadhari . Was it necessary to do so? Can't Malaysia simply remain Malaysia - the home of Malays, Chinese and Indians?

It is not wrong to say that Abdullah, while assuring non-Malays about their welfare, has not translated that concern into action. By imposing a gag order on the Article 11 coalition against freedom of worship is yet another example of his bias.

Heart-breaking developments

If, after 49 years, all Malaysia has achieved is freedom from colonialism, then Aug 31 will become a date to mourn the failings of our leaders to work conscientiously towards national integration.

Freedom will come when children of different races and religions are allowed to discuss and learn the challenges of living in a diverse nation. To prohibit Malaysians from discussing their rights as provided for under the Federal Constitution is a breach of those rights.

It is indeed heart-breaking to see Abdullah's refusal to deal objectively with issues affecting non-Malays. To disallow them to talk about issues touching on race and religion and to remind Malaysians time and again that Malaysia is an Islamic country and Islam is the official religion is not helping to sow the seeds of unity.

After 49 years of freedom, it has come to the attention of non-Malays that Malaysia is home only to the Malays. This realisation is heart-breaking indeed, much more during Aug 31, a date no longer synonymous with 'freedom' for non-Malays.

Little wonder then that the Jalur Gemilang is not flown wholeheartedly by Malaysians.

Hopefully Abdullah takes cognisance of the sentiments of non-Malays and decides what is best in the interest of Malaysia - the real Malaysia that is.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.