A NAtioN of Hope

IN what’s to be his final ode to Malaysia, award-winning veteran journalist and celebrated author Rehman Rashid wrote in his final offering, Peninsula: “There are two ways to belong to a place. To be born there, and to die there.” In this wonderfully muddled, lively society filled with all sorts of confusion and contradiction, this sense of belonging runs deep. Rehman goes on to write: “We are all etched in our collective histories; all notes on staves and letters on pages; each a bit of nonsense in itself, together a story, an epic tale, music.”

The truth of the matter is simply this: What makes Malaysia inherently special is simply what she’s made up of — her vibrant people. This colourful living tapestry of many races, cultures and traditions form the living foundation of this young nation. The richness of our heritage bears testament to us — that we do not merely co-exist with each other, but we’re constantly learning to live and work together to make this country a better place.

In the days building up to the nation’s National Day on Aug 31, there’s so much to be thankful for. We make sense when we’re united. We make beautiful music and art, drawing from our collective experiences and heritage. Malaysia is one of the great Asian success stories. Such racially diverse societies are by far and large, extremely difficult to govern, and it is to Malaysia’s enormous credit that it has combined economic growth with relative racial harmony — a feat for which it has rarely been given the credit it deserves in the west.

However, while we view diversity as a visible indication of the vibrancy of an inclusive, multicultural society — something to be celebrated and reflected throughout all levels of society. In reality, vested interests meant our society was still being governed by elites and inequality coupled with corruption soon became entrenched. The desire to concentrate power and influence in the hands of a small circle choked the dream of a diverse, meritocratic system of social progression.

On May 9 this year however, we once again proved that we could pool our energies together where it mattered most. The fear-mongering, race politics and other divisive weapons bandied weren’t enough to defeat a nation determined to settle this matter for itself. This was our vote, our verdict. What a parade Malaysia has seen of citizens making the most politically effective argument of all: using the ballot paper to make it clear that we — all of us who belong — have a voice. And when that voice is united across religion and race, it becomes the most powerful catalyst of change.

As Malaysia now undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts, there’s a need for creative ideas and solutions to address critical issues that have plagued the nation for too long. And these issues could use an artist’s mind, a creative question or a critical thinker to help us find our way to a healthier and just future. Artists can illuminate truth, offer transcendent experience in a far too literal world, challenge us to feel and connect us to our common humanity.

A group of artists are seeking to do just that for Galeri Prima’s and Henry Butcher Auctioneers’ latest offering ‘Morphosis’.In this season of new beginnings and endings, the following artists, along with their compatriots, are expressing their voice, views and thoughts about Malaysia through their featured works in this exhibition, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day.

Where:

When:

Call:

elena@nst.com.my

Galeri Prima, Balai Berita, 31 Jalan Riong, KL

From Aug 27 to Sept 16, 10am to 6pm daily

03-2724 8300

Admission is free