'Anak Bangsa Malaysia' initiative launched

Rakyat@work reports on the launch of the Anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative in KL while over in Penang, a smaller group met up to express solidarity:

The launch in KL – Photos by Rakyat@work

The Penang solidary gathering at a nasi kandar restaurant – Photo by Lucia Lai

Just last month, we celebrated Merdeka Day and yesterday we had Malaysia day. Really, it was by far the most subdued and lifeless ‘celebration’ I have ever experienced. Other than uncertainty in our economic challenges, we have also inherited a degenerative political disease which inflicts daily insults and threats to the rakyat. A sense of ‘hopelessness’ is slowly creeping inside our immune system. It is like getting worse day by day. Everything seems to be going backwards.

So, what’s new? Fortunately, a small flame was flickering in the darkness: the launch of a new Anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative.

Come shine or rain, the launch had to go on. In the heart of the city, somewhere in KL, a group of the rakyat – ages ranging from 15 upwards – gathered at Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia to witness the birth of the ‘true’ Malaysian. Last night, they were all called Anak Bangsa Malaysia: One race! No need for dominance over anyone, no one is superior, no one inferior … respecting and cherishing each other; companionship was the order of the night.

Despite the sporadic rain and traffic jams, more than 150 people turned up at the Anak Bangsa Malaysia house. And all you could hear and see were people hugging, shaking hands, laughing, cheering, and smiling as if it was a gathering of long-lost brothers and sisters. Those who are new to this group of Anak Bangsa Malaysians are often taken aback, surprised, amused, perhaps shocked. Usually they are left wondering: how is it possible for people of different races to gel together so wonderfully.

Food, music, and a couple of prominent individuals were also present. It was indeed a wonderful and refreshing sight to behold. Please do drop by Haris Ibrahim blog, if you want to know more and one thing is certain, there is still hope for this nation and it is of paramount importance that you make a stand for yourself and be counted before others instruct you to stand or sit.

Anak Bangsa Malaysia provides us an avenue to learn and to grow as true rakyat Malaysia and all these activities are simply to tell the government of the day that we love this nation and respect all rakyat just as much and no less than they do …