Teachers: It doesn’t feel like Merdeka this year
PUCHONG: Today, Malaysia celebrates her 62nd Merdeka Day. While many laud Malaysia for the economic progress it has achieved over the decades, things have not been always rosy in the country.
In the aftermath of the May 13 riots, the government has tried its level best to foster greater unity among Malaysians of diverse racial and religious background.
However, it is a daunting task even after decades of achieving Independence.
Recently, The Leaders Online spoke to several teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on what they feel about Merdeka Day this year, especially after Pakatan Harapan won federal powers two years ago.
They do not feel the Merdeka mood this year, unfortunately.
Devi, 40, who teaches in a primary school, told The Leaders Online that she has no mood to celebrate Merdeka this year due to rising racial and religious rhetoric in the last few months.
“The racial and religious divide can be seen in the schools itself. Pupils only want to mingle with their own race unlike when we were schooling in the past,” she said.
Devi added that it saddens her that things have gotten this bad. Worse, the government seems to be powerless against those who are preaching hate among Malaysians.
“The government must clamp down on these extremists before it’s too late,” she said.
As for Devi, she said that she treats all her pupils as her own children, adding that she tries her best to get students to mingle with one another irrespective or their background.
“During group assignments, I make sure the groups are filled with pupils of different races. I hope my little effort brings about some changes in how pupils view their fellow classmates,” she said.
Tan, 52, who also teaches in a primary school, echoed Devi’s sentiments.
However, she was blunt about it, saying that Malaysia’s unity is nothing but a farce.
“You don’t have to believe me. Just check the social media. Everyone is attacking one another based on their racial and religious background.
“Yet, we go around celebrating Merdeka Day as if everything is alright in the country. The government should act on these fanatics,” she said.
Relating her own experience, Tan said years back, she reprimanded a pupil for being naughty but the latter retaliated with a racist slur.
“He just called me ‘Cina bodoh’. I was taken aback by his words. I don’t blame the kid as I believe he was just parroting what adults have said to him,” she said, adding that she did not make an issue out of it and merely advised the pupil not to judge a person based on their racial background.
Tan also did not mince her words in criticising the Pakatan government, saying that they have disappointed the people.
“I thought the new government will end all these racial and religious polemics but they also seem to be stuck in the same cycle,” she said.
As for Merdeka, Tan said she does not feel like celebrating it. However, she has put up a Jalur Gemilang flag on her car.
“It all seems farcical to me but I still have faith that things will improve,” she said.
Sheila, 35, a teacher in a secondary school, however, says she is upbeat about Merdeka Day despite the rising racial and religious tension.
“It’s just a small group causing trouble here and there. Majority of Malaysians are still strong and united,” she said.
However, Sheila also questioned on why the government seemed to be dragging its feet in stemming the extremists.
“And why is that Zakir Naik fellow still in Malaysia? He should have been kicked out the moment he insulted the Indians and Chinese,” she said.
On her plans for Merdeka Day, Sheila said that she will just watch the parade from home and probably go out for lunch with her family.
“I have been working a lot lately and not spending enough time with my family. So, we will go out and have a hearty Malaysian cuisine for Merdeka,” she said.
By G Vinod
