"Here In My Home"

Getting inspiration for new shit to write on, can seriously be a pain at times. Especially when you're having a hangover or some other burgeoning issue (like a personal financial crisis) taking center stage in your head. Add to that equation, an internet connection so fucked up that it can sometimes take 5 minutes to load Google!

Despite all that, I just couldn't resist producing a write up about this, considering the amount of crap that's being said about 'race' these days. What kind of crap you ask?

How about an ex-premier's view that "if we don't speak up, if we choose to keep quiet, we will lose our rights and the other races will take over", and the never-ending comparison between Malaysia and Singapore and how Singapore "is dominated by other races". He is, of course, talking about the Malay race. Anyway, just so you know, as of 19 May 2008, this less than vocal "Bapa Malaysia Moden" has left UMNO. You can read more on his reasons on his blog here. My opinion on the matter: He wants the publicity, especially when he knows nowadays people are either calling him senile or they're just losing interest in the dis-harmony his many comments are stirring up. That's my opinion anyway. Else, why would he start a blog and once its gained in popularity, announce something like this to the 'fans'? He could've just left the party quietly if he really did not have anymore faith in it, couldn't he?

Or if you believe some stories, it could be the initiation of a coup against the current leaders of UMNO. I don't know, you can judge for yourself on what you think it is, but my say on the matter is that he just can't get used to not being in the limelight after two decades of having power.

Dear sir, as much as I respect you for all your accomplishments in 'modernizing' this country that I will always call 'home', I expect you at your old age, to spend whatever time you have left with your family and loved ones. And as much as you don't like it, this is not the same Malaysia that was under your iron-fist rule for 22 years. We, the rakyat will not be bullied or threatened with racial politics and such sentiments anymore! Despite what you believe, the Chinese, Indians, and the 'Lain-lain' in this country are not out for the heads of the Malays, or for any other race for that matter. We want to be treated equally and with respect, especially after 50 years of striving together to make this country into what it is today (despite all the crap that still exists). I would like to think that after 50 years of nationhood (or 45 years really, considering that 'Malaysia' only came into existence after the addition of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore into Malaya), the rakyat are no longer worried about having a fellow MALAYSIAN, regardless of his/her race, representing them and taking care of their concerns. Wasn't this the point of 'Bangsa Malaysia' that you were so frequently preaching about during your last decade in office, or has old age caught up with you that you can't remember half the things you said to rebut claims that the non-Malays were being treated like second or third-class citizens? Please, take a rest and enjoy the show. After all, some of this mess is thanks to you.

Anyway, enough of this shit. I really didn't want to post anything related to politics this time 'round, but I guess it's hard to stray from it if you've been reading the news these past few days. Carrying on, the reason I wanted to write today was because of this:

A big thank you to Puvanan for sharing this with me, as it really made my day! Simply entitled "Here In My Home", a collaboration of Malaysian artistes have, independently, shared their talents in coming up with an anti-racism song and music video! And the best part is, the whole budget for this project was... wait for it... RM0.00!

How about that? No sponsors, no government grants, no nothing! Nada! Zip! An excerpt from their webpage:

it included filmmakers, dancers, singers, producers, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, designers, footballers, activists, celebrities, students and a florist. nobody would be paid. yet they were enthused. not because they were high on speed. only because they love Malaysia.

They're giving it out to anyone and everyone, to download, to share, to "spread the love", for free!

My favorite part of the song would have to be the rap. The way they managed to integrate the Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English languages into a small section of the video, to me represented just how harmonious all the races can be, and that racial politics can and should be thrown out the door!

[Malay: TRANSLATED]
Years of fears and years of tribulation
The heart keeps searching for that endless devotion
[Chinese: TRANSLATED]
Hand in hand we’ll march like blood brothers
I speak for my people hope we’ll find peace forever
[Tamil: TRANSLATED]
May the road ahead quench my thirst for success
May the road behind echo a song of the blessed
[English]
So I will let it be known yes I feel it in my bones
No matter where I roam this is home sweet home
Sing!

It's just great that people have joined together to bring such a message to all Malaysians, to remind them that we're all here together, that this land is OUR home! I don't think I have anything else to say for a while, I'm still 'high on all the lauuu (love)'. So I'll leave you all to go visit the links I have included in this post, especially the website of this project! And in tribute to these rakyats' efforts, I'll not end this post in my usual way.

Cheers, and Kudos to the MalaysianArtistesForUnity!