In 11 days, the rakyat will witness the 51st anniversary of the founding of our Malaysia.

Yet, there is little reason to celebrate.

Our forefathers envisaged a Malaysia of a single people, rich in our cultural and religious diversity, and united in our quest for justice and equality, with institutions of state steered by men and women who were driven by a desire to serve the people.

Today, divisive forces in our midst seemingly work at will and with impunity whilst archaic laws continue to be used to stifle the voices of the rakyat.

As has been observed by so many over the last few days, we are in danger of becoming a failed state.

Who can save Malaysia? Only the rakyat.

It is with this in mind that we call on the rakyat to make this Sept 16, the day when we collectively start to reclaim our nation from those who would have us divided and thereby weakened.

Both at our workplace and in the neighbourhoods where we live, make the effort to reconnect with our friends and acquaintances to spread the spirit of 'One People, One Nation' that our forefathers aspired to.

Let our collective actions make it known that attempts to sow the fear of sedition and heavy handed tactics to thwart this renewal of the nation will not stop the march by the rakyat to reclaim our nation.

To launch this effort, themed 'Kembalikan negaraku ' (Give me back my country), the steering committee will be at Taman Jaya, Off Jalan Timur, Petaling Jaya on Sept 16, 2014, starting at 8.30am until 10.00am to partake of a 'Perkelahan Rakyat ' (People’s Picnic) and hope you will join us there.

For those who cannot be there, you could organise your own little get-together with family and friends as your own effort.

We are also pleased to announce that we will be organising two major forums, one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Penang, as a prelude to a series of roadshows through the country.

The dates and venues for the same will be announced once finalised.

Additionally, we will be hosting a forum entitled 'Revisiting the Malaysia Agreement' on Sept 29 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Further details, together with the names of speakers, will be announced in due course.

ZAID KAMARUDDIN is chairperson of the Negara-Ku People's Movement.