The current plight of the mission schools is a reflection of how this country has changed over the years. We have become a nation unrecognisable to many of us. The story of our growth as a nation – from independence to relative prosperity – is the product of many forces. The fact of the matter is that Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Orang Asli, Sabahans and Sarawakians and yes, foreigners - all played a role in the formation and development of the country.

Our history will reflect this truth about us.

And yet our politicians pit race against race, religion against religion. Every attempt is made to divide and rule. Advancement in politics appears to require one to declare one’s allegiance to race and religion before the nation. In today’s world, the battle drums must beat and the banner unfurled as the sword is brandished!  And we do not realise how primitive we look.

It is extraordinary how it is that we can have friends of all races and religions and yet engage in the most racist talk when we are in the company of members of our own tribe. The mission schools were one institution where Malayans and later Malaysians of all races came together.

Mission schools were set up by the missionaries. The Christian Brothers, whose mission it was to educate the poor of the world, set up these schools with donations from the public and with assistance from the government. Of course, all of the mission schools were set up before we ‘became independent’. Because of sensitivity and fear of religious conversion, these schools were only set up in urban areas. Nevertheless mission schools were open to all irregardless of race or religion. No attempt was made to convert the Muslims.

Mission schools emphasised the formation of the individual and the development of character. They also provided quality education. Tens of thousands of Malaysians of all ethnic groups will attest to the gift given them and the nation by mission schools.

Friendships were forged by pupils of all races. Malaysiakini Mariam Mokhtar’s piece Lost and found is one testimony. Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his brothers attended a mission school. As did the sultan of Selangor. And Hishamuddin Hussien and the sons of the late Tun Ismail.

And how did the nation express its gratitude to such missionaries? And how did an independent Malaysia treat the mission schools? The story is a sad one. Systematically – bit by bit – the character of these schools was all but destroyed. Agreements made between the government and the Christian Brothers as to the operation of these schools were more breached than observed. Did anyone care ?

And this is the true story of modern Malaysia. As we survey the landscape – amidst the gleaming Twin Towers and the magnificence of Putrajaya – we see the debris of broken promises, ingratitude and failed institutions.

Politicians rewrite history with the object of denying the truth about our past. Many cannot acknowledge the fact that colonisation brought some good things with it even as the British exploited our wealth and resources. Again the truth about our colonial experience is that it was more benign than exploitative. And the fact it that without the mission schools, we would not have been as prepared for independence.

We must be grateful to those who helped shape this nation. We must be grateful to those who came before us and who shed their sweat and blood in opening up this country and in helping us set up the infrastructure of a modern nation. We must be grateful to these missionaries. There are names like Brother Lawrence Spitz, Brother Michael Jacques, brother Joseph Macnelly, Sister Edna  that many of us remember.

We must not let our confidence today become arrogance. We must not forget the contribution of others. We must behave as civilised human beings. And finally we must not throw out the baby with the bath water. As we appear to have done with the mission schools.