Fasting for a better Malaysia

[geminianeyes]

From the moment it was announced, I knew I wanted in. Yet I did not dare say it out loud, because I was afraid that it was going to fail, mainly due to lack of willpower. But seeing Malaysians across the divide and of the same mind doing it, I could not help but want to join in.

I’m talking about this. It is a solidarity fast with all our Muslim brothers and sisters, to show that we do not condone the actions of the bigoted cow-head protestors, who then went on to disrupt the town hall meeting that was aimed at solving their grouses.

I haven’t fasted in a long time. The most I’ve done is to do a water fast; I abstained from taking food but had water throughout the day instead. I know it will not be easy, and I fully expect to be complaining of hunger pangs by 3.30pm, but I want to do this.

I want to tell the bigots of the world of my country that there is no place for their hate in Malaysia. That this is MY Malaysia. More than anything, this is the place I grew up. This is the place that nurtured me. This is the place that says to me, without holding back, home.

I want to also tell Malaysia that I love her. That I am willing to lay down my life for her. As Haris Ibrahim says, “As a fellow Bangsa Malaysia, I am willing 2 die for you – all of you, regardless of race or religion”. Haris Ibrahim (From Twitter)

My Malaysia, my home. She is more than a piece of land. She is more than an individual. She is, like most countries, an idea. An ideal.

Someone once said that my Malaysia was brutally raped when she was just 12 years old. I say that we need to move beyond that rape. That we should not just ensure it won’t happen again, but that our vibrant, wonderful, beautiful girl will be strong enough to overcome it.

Happy Birthday Malaysia. Here’s to you.

Original entry as appearing at Reach Into Your Soul.