What Really is Keluarga Malaysia?

 

Malaysians have marked 68 years of independence on Aug 31 with an air display, fireworks, and waving of Jalur Gemilang. Official speeches highlighted our steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth, cultural vibrancy, and Malaysia’s role as Asean chair. We will have of our four-year low in inflation and tourist arrivals that outpace our neighbours.

 

However, shadowing the political platitudes is last month’s protest in Dataran Merdeka over rising living costs and lack of real reformasi promised in November 2022. The disconnect between the staged official optimism and public discontent is growing and glaring.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

Surveys by the Merdeka Centre show that three in four Malaysians rank the rising living costs as the biggest concern. The ruling coalition adds to the perception that 68 years of independence have yet to translate into policies that instil inclusivity and accountability in governance, stem corruption, nepotism, and cronyism. Besides delivering on its reformasi promises, the spirit of Merdeka is tested not in the pompous speeches but in the government’s commitment to “reducing inequality and enhancing (socioeconomic) mobility” (joint report, World Bank Group and the Economy Ministry, February 2025).

 

Many may perceive Merdeka as a hollow celebration when policies are steeped in creating a privileged and underprivileged class, an increasing proportion comprising millions of migrant workers.

 

So, what kind of Keluarga Malaysia are we really?

 

For a more meaningful Merdeka, we ought to march in step to a different beat post-2025 as one Keluarga Malaysia. The people perform their duties. The state recognises the people’s rights as members of the extended family. When an extended family member falls into difficulties, each family member is obliged to help. When a nation state slides into the pits, we are duty-bound to pull it out of sinking further.

 

By this logic, Keluarga Malaysia’s greatness is less measured by material gains than by how each family member is responsible for another. These are the values that grow the extended family and prosper as one people.

 

While protests, placards and political rallies do send a strong message to Putrajaya, ultimately, real change in mindsets and inter-racial engagements starts with us, in our homes, at our front gates, across the fences, and in our neighbourhood ties. But it is always difficult if politicians focus on differences rather than similarities. Diversity (to be celebrated) rather than homogeneity. Meritocracy rather than mediocrity. Openness rather than blinkered narrowness.

 

We don’t have much time. But our politicians and leadership remain oblivious!

 

Reference:

COMMENT | What kind of Keluarga Malaysia are we, really? Eric Loo, Malaysiakini, 30 August 2025