Manifesting a Malayan Mindset

In our effort to achieve Independence and to create a nation, Malaya, our foremost task lies in the manifestation of a Malayan mind.

First among our aims is to foster the idea of “Living as One and Prospering as A Whole”. We understand the multi-cultural mix that exists in Malaya. The sacrifices of each and every ethnic community, who have toiled for this nation of ours, cannot be undermined. Every ethnic community should be accepted as a member of this nation’s family, equal in their rights and in their national duty. That they believe in sharing the nation’s abundance, with hopes of standing together to face strong challenges, to build a sound and strong nation. Our second priority is to forge the idea of Malaya as my Motherland. My thoughts for those who have come from abroad – You had a homeland; however, your children and grandchildren are now the sons and daughters of Malaya. Malaya is their one and true motherland, their only home in this life. They share common interests and now have a stake in Malaya. The significance of other nations is secondary. Manifesting a Malayan mindset is the foundation on which our nation can be strengthened. If this Malayan mindset is not cultivated to its completion, unforeseen conflicts and clashes will result. Those with foresight must bear the responsibility for manifesting this Malayan mindset and so must all Malayans be forthright in inculcating this mindset. The nation’s foes are those who choose not to live as one nor prosper together with their fellow Malayans. The nation’s nemeses are also Malayans who do not uphold Malaya as their motherland. In our midst, there exist cultural and economic imbalances among the ethnic communities, a state of affairs that is most unfortunate. Yet, we believe in humans being born equal. A community’s cultural and economic advancements may differ but they are never constrained by the lack of possibilities. With fairness in government policies will come the possibility of correcting these imbalances. With a Malayan mindset, we can discard the notion that winners will forever triumph while losers trail permanently. Ethnic barriers will fall in the future Malaya. We will all live as one in this family we call Malaya. We must share this same vision, seek each others’ hands, and strive together to achieve our common aim. I believe my Malay friends who share rational views will agree with me. I wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya Puasa – Merdeka ! [Lim Lian Geok’s message written on the invitation of the Jawi-language Utusan Melayu‘s special edition in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 1956. Translated by Chuan Tek Pheung, based on Lim’s original full text in Chinese]