Followers

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

An Alternative to the Keris

I read in the Malaysian Insider that outgoing Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein will reprise the controversial keris act. I sure hope he reconsider taking alternative actions.

(http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/20994-hishamuddin-to-show-keris-again)

I have an alternative idea. Instead of the Keris, I suggest, use a book as the symbol. You may want to print a picture of the Keris on the book cover for ‘kesinambungan’ of the old symbol to the new. The Keris will not be able to take the Malays far, but knowledge can. The Quran’s first word to mankind is to ‘Read’(Quran 96:1) and we are ask to pray “ My Lord, Increase me in Knowledge “ (Quran 20:114).

Furthermore, such a call using a book as a symbol will not only go well with the Malays but also our other brother and sister Malaysians. The Chinese for example shares similar values as Confucius suggested that “if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”.

It will not just be good but also smart for Malaysian leaders to find values that are shared by all even when talking to their specific group. If Hishamudin wants to be the PM someday, it is not enough to have the support and the follower-ship of the Malays, he will also need the support and the following of the Indians, Chinese and not to forget Sabahans and Sarawakian, too.

5 comments:

Monyet King said...

Well said, Anas.
However since most Malaysian do not read or read enough, it would be interesting to see whether the message gets through.
Cheers
p.s. Showing buku 555 might do the trick.

Anonymous said...

Anas, 'kesinambungan' not 'kesenambungan'...

Anonymous said...

Sadly Anas, I doubt UMNO will take your advice for their GA.

MIC has already shown its incapable of changing. I have little confidence UMNO can do what it needs to do in order to stay relevant. Expect a lot of cash-flow in PWTC the next few days.

dolphintales said...

well said.

Jahamy said...

Setuju Bro!