This is the day the entire nation awaits with hope and expectation for a future that would be better blessed than the by-gone years. Fifty-eight years of Merdeka and 52 years of Malaysia Day have come and gone with many happy memories and the relative peace and harmony that had prevailed with a few unwelcome moments of provocation, tension and short-lived distrust and suspicion.

These events, the good and the not so good have assisted in the maturing and learning process of the nation. It is hard to believe that the nation had journeyed thus far with no major calamities to disrupt the tranquillity and fair-mindedness of peace-loving Malaysians of any colour or faith.

In the name of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) we join our fellow sisters and brothers in celebrating the 58th Merdeka and 52nd Malaysia Day birthday years with great expectation and hope. We are glad that the theme chosen for this year’s celebration is: ‘Satu Hati, Satu Jiwa’. or ‘One Heart and One Spirit’.

MCCBCHST would like to remind everyone that every person has an intrinsic right to hope for a better future with the resources available abundantly in this fair land driven by responsible persons with a God-given conscience to govern fairly without discrimination and with a heart for the people’s general well being.

This year, 2015, is going through very rough times with on-going political uncertainty, a failing economy, short-changed promises and a rising cost of living prompted by a weakening ringgit. Heightening tensions are giving way to desperation and a feeling of hopelessness is gripping the people to exasperation of what the future would hold for them and their young children who depend on them.

MCCBCHST appeals to the federal and state governments to take cognisance of the political decisions they make and implement and to uphold the constitution that they had promised on oath to fulfil. Let everything be done for the people with sincere commitment, dedication, integrity and love of the people who elected them in the first place in the eternal hope of being treated as equal citizens and governance beyond suspicion.

In our melting-pot of cultures, religions and principles MCCBCHST requests the government to harmonise and enhance all the various forces for the advancement of Malaysia. This can be done if we return to the document that started it all i.e. the federal constitution which is the supreme law of the nation. Any form of disrespect shown to the constitution and misreading or misapplication of its original spirit will only exacerbate the present disturbing situation that will not do justice to the theme ‘One Heart and One Spirit’.

MCCBCHST hopes that everyone, the governed and the governors, put heart and soul to give fresh meaning to the national theme of this year’s Independence celebrations. We pray that it will not be just a catchy slogan with no meaning or sting. Please give it a value that we can be proud off. Let us work together as ONE NATION.

Signed by RS MOHAN SHAN, acting president, BISHOP SEBASTIAN FRANCES, vice-president, SARDAR JAGIR SINGH, vice-president, DHAZHANG TONG KHIEM CHAAN, vice-president and PREMATILAKA KD SERISANA, honorary secretary-general, MCCBCHST.