How will history remember Indians?

A Letter by : Christopher Yogaswaran via M'Kini
Image : Net


Who we are now shapes the history that will be told to future generations of Indian Malaysians.

For the last 28 years, the political representatives of the Indian Malaysian community have been in power without making progress in the basic aspects of life for the very people they represent.

But now a non-political group - one that is neither influenced nor motivated by power - has come along. It comprises truly concerned, intelligent and educated people who champion the fundamental rights of the people. This group brought awareness and truth to the surface, and the government acted swiftly to change, with promises of more to come.

However, these people have been incarcerated - deprived of their loved ones, jobs and security of life. Though unreachable and untouchable, they still wish the best for all Malaysians, especially the neglected ones.

And the political representatives are now riding high on the winds of change brought about by the incarcerated to the extent of resurrecting promises of the past. And we all seem to be geared up by the changes they promise.

The incarcerated ones are facing unjust persecution. However, their victory in getting the government to listen to the issues of the marginalised Indians are what we, and many others, stand to enjoy if this government wins again in this coming election.

But a point to note here is that these promises are being made by the same government that marginalised us in the first place.

My question is: As Indian Malaysian, where do we stand? Are we without the direction towards the truth? Don’t let another 28 years pass. Don’t let our children find out the truth and criticise us for making the same mistake twice in the last 56 years.

How will we make history out of this? Will we be remembered as a righteous and united community of Indians that demanded the release of the incarcerated? Or will we be self-gratifying Indians who lack a sense of unity and, like parasites, feed off of the struggles of others? It remains to be seen in the coming elections.