TMM,Monday 10 January 2011
Throughout history, nations and empires have prospered and expanded through productivity - and fallen from over glorification that leads to decay.
Though Malaysians are proud of their history, and rightfully so, we are but a small speck in the history of humankind.
As we are a developing country with much of the population far from reaching maturity in thought, most of our citizens tend to react more emotionally than rationally.
Politicians know this and many exploit it for selfish motives, but masquerade it as something noble. It is easy to become popular by stoking the emotions and fanning hatred, as it is easier to hate than to love.
Those who fight and defend their race, religion, culture and language by spewing about rights, superiority, glory or dominance, if allowed to succeed, would actually bring harm to the very people they are championing.
It is akin to parents spoiling their children by giving freely with little restrain or inculcating merit. Whether they are from rich or poor families, spoiled kids are most likely to become adults with little drive and potential to succeed.
It is true that sometimes one has to be cruel in order to be kind. Likewise, those who seem to be kind are actually cruel.
Those choosing to live or relive past glories are not forging ahead while others who see the light race past them.
We should not dwell too much on past success or failures but should learn from both.
If we do not take a balanced view and continue to be inward looking, we would be no better than ‘Katak dibawah tempurong’ (A frog under a coconut shell).
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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