Rewriting the Malaysian narrative

In one of the skits in the play “Another Country”, the Malaysian Federal Constitution was read as a monologue by one of the five actors in a classroom setting. While the monologue was being delivered in a monotonous tone, the centre of attention was the written document on the desk behind her; representing the Federal Constitution.

Each of the other four actors, who in the first few minutes were just sitting at their desks and listening attentively; were seen in turn to sneakily take a pencil to cross out sentences or adding new ones, erasing parts with a rubber eraser, tearing some parts out, or simply appear to be reading the document.

Throughout this skit, the intensity of amendments made to the document reached a climax as two of the actors struggled and tore the document apart.

Shocked by what they have done, they then helped to staple the torn pieces of the document together.

All the while, the actress in front of the “class” recited the words she had known by heart; oblivious to what was happening behind her back.

That particular skit arrested me in my seat, and stabbed my heart so sharply that it stayed with me to this day – a couple of months after I watched the play.

Nearly 15 years after achieving an A for my SPM History paper I could not remember whether the Federal Constitution was a subject that was taught with impact, scrutiny, and discourse as part of our history lesson on our beloved country.

Or rather, SPM in my days were focused on regurgitating facts memorised on flash cards.

To be honest, it was through the grassroots campaign by myConsti that I became more aware about the Constitution.

As a Malaysian, and one that has been to three BTN courses at that, I find this fact shocking.

I am the reader who recited the document by heart, oblivious to the changes, omissions and addenda happening behind my back.

How can I, a Malaysian, am not aware of the contents of a living document that makes this nation I call my country?

Have I stuck my head in the sand for too long?

There is the pressing need, now more than ever, for us all to return to the true spirit of Malaysia. In our melting pot of cultures, religions, principles, and egos; we all need to return to the document that started it all. That supreme law of the land that was drafted and formed based on a complex yet intricate discourse to construct Malaysia.

Yet, I have enough of romanticising the past and lamenting the “if only” days of old. Nearly every discourse that I have been in talk about the good old days of Malaya – we have to be pragmatic and we have to act now.

We have to re-write the Malaysian narrative through the following efforts:

1. Strengthen the way our History courses are taught at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels; with emphasis on understanding the Federal Constitution. This cannot be done by asking students to merely recite the Rukun Negara or knowing which Article in the Federal Constitution refers to what particular subject; there needs to be discourse on why and how the Constitution was formed.

Why were there nearly 650 amendments over 48 years, and how can such amendments impact society?

Encourage students to ask questions, and stop lowering the passing marks just to show how many As our students can achieve.

2. We adults need to practice what we preach. We can find resources and learn about the Federal Constitution. According to associate professor of law, Azmi Sharom, the Constitution is a boring document, but it’s not a difficult document.

Movements like myConsti have colourful, bullet points pamphlets that we can refer to, we all know how to use Wikipedia, and we can find the time to sit through forums held by civil society across the country.

We need to understand something before we can put all of our efforts into upholding and protecting it.

3. We need to care. Join rallies, donate to a cause or be a clicktivist, any choice and level of commitment, but care. A country with two national day anniversaries is already confusing enough.

As the Federation of Malaya celebrates her 58th birthday this coming weekend, and Malaysia celebrating the 52nd year of her formation on September 16, we are still insecure as citizens of this nation.

In such confusing times, we need to return to the Constitution. We all need to learn and re-learn how to be citizens of this country. That way, we can truly embody patriotism and nationalism.

4. We are all Malaysians.

There should no longer be any “buts” or first, second hierarchy of identity following that sentence.

5. Stay. Live here and understand the society as it is. I personally know how tough a call this is, but making a difference is more impactful from within the country than without.

If we all leave Malaysia, what is left?

Selamat Hari Merdeka, Malaysia. – August 26, 2015.

* In loving memory of Suhana Abd Kadir, an educator with the biggest heart and an exemplary Malaysian.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.