Kudos to BTN camp MERU

When I was informed by sponsorship unit of Taylor College that it is compulsory for all JPA scholars( Australia law and accounting scholars) to attend BTN camp (Kem birotatanegara) during semester break, I was overwhelmed by a sense of foreboding and trepidation. This is probably due to negative perception formed as a result of negative report and comment from the mass media as well as seniors. Hence, I braced myself for the worst. I am pretty sure that my friends feel the same.

However, my negative perception on the whole program was shattered after I successfully completed the whole program. Not only is the activities inspiring, thought provoking and informative, there was no racism or racist remark implicitly or explicitly throughout the whole events, contrary to what alleged by certain quarters. Most importantly, all the facilitators and speakers stress the need for unity in diversity based on tolerance and understanding on others culture as well as the need to respect the differences between difference races. Perhaps this is due to the fact that half of the participants are non-bumiputera. But the fact that effort are taken to promote racial unity should be given compliment.

Some of the most memorable and informative activities are the Federal Constitution adventure (Kembara Perlembagaan) and introduction to the 1Malaysia concept. As most of the participants are not exposed to the content of the constitution beforehand, the clear exposition and explanations by the facilitators help to foster understanding and appreciation of the content of the constitution meticulously drafted by the REID commission after taking into account the plights and concerns of all section of community consisting of different races. The fact that all religions are allowed to be practiced in peace and harmony with Islam as the religion of federations as prescribed in article 3(1) of the constitution is a testament that the federal constitution is vibrant as it protect the right of the majority and at the same time do not neglect the need and rights of the minority. Moreover, the cultural historical root of the country is also manifested in the constitution. Articles 181 of the constitution recognize the legitimacy of the monarch which has been the rulers of each state since Malay sultanate and as a symbol of the sovereignty of the country, even though part of their original power has shifted to the executive.

Another interesting topic which spark off heated discussion among the participants is the social contract ( kontrak sosial) . The discussion revolve around whether the social contract is still relevance and the need to inject new meaning breathe life into it. While many agree that the exchange of citizenship (article 14) for non-bumiputera for the special right of Malay (article 153), Malay language as federal language (article 152) , the recognition of Malay ruler(article 181) and Islam as federal religion ( article 3 ) is relevant and significant, the argument center upon the relevance of the special right for Malay when they are on even ground with non-bumiputera. In this context, this means that Malay has attained the 30% equity, and able to compete on a fair basis based on meritocracy in the field of education, trade, and economy. It is heartwarming to know that many non-bumiputera participants emphasize with the Malay who are denied their economic rights and repressed by the British from involving in trade. Many of them voice their disapproval toward the divide and rule policy by the British and agree that special provision should be made to elevate the Malay to enable them to survive in their own country amidst fierce competition and dominance from other races. However, it is even more enlightening that many of my Malay friend voice that the provision of the special right for Malay should be amended once the Malay races are competent to compete on level playing ground with their counterpart as provision of quota would render the Malay race complacent and lack survival instinct and ability in the face of globalization. Moreover, they claim that the crutches are a gross insult to Malay races which was once revered for their resilience and resourcefulness during Malacca sultanate. Whether or not the amendment will be made to article 153 or the parliament may pass law to prohibit the amendment of questioning of that article as prescribed in article 10(4) of the constitution, the fact remain that discussion among different races in an amicable atmosphere is capable of fostering mutual consensus and understanding on critical and controversial issues.

On the other hand, the explanation and discussion on the 1 Malaysia concept allow us to understand the concept and its importance in uniting Malaysians. Despite the fact there are many cynics in the society who question the effectiveness and relevance of the concept and some even try to point out the ulterior motive of the government , it is imperative to take note that the concept is based on goodwill and aim to foster unity in diversity and once it is successfully implemented, it would act as a catalyst to spur Malaysia in the strive to achieve vision 2020 into becoming a truly developed country revered by the world for the tolerance among people of difference races .

After the camp, my perspective was widened. I start to realize that even though our country is beset by many inherent problem and weaknesses, there is much room for improvement and support should be given to government agenda to address the problems without being cynical and see all the government policies in negative light without offering better alternatives. Instead of being swayed by emotion and remarks from politicians who have no qualms to play racial card to score brownie point for themselves, subjectivity must give in to objectivity and we should see things as they are, not as what alleged by certain quarters without substantial evidence and proof. Let not waste our time and energy in squabbling among each other on trivial issue and along the way jeopardize the harmony and peace in the country. Let us discard all our prejudices and muster our effort to make our country a better place for the future generations.

Lastly, again I would like to congratulate the facilitator and speakers for making this BTN camp a success. Their dedication and passion will always be remembered by all of us and all the participants certainly benefited from the camp by becoming more patriotic and mature. Many of the facilitator has sacrifice their time and family in the sense that many of them has not gone home to meet their family for days or weeks due to tight schedule. Hence, better remunerations should be allocated by the ministry of prime minister as a token of appreciation for the sacrifice and efforts My deep appreciation goes to the ministry of prime minister for providing such good facilities especially with six meal a day and comprehensive program. However, I recommend that non-malay should be hired as facilitator and speaker to better reflect our multiracial society and the 1 Malaysia concept. For the future participants, I recommend that they shed their bad perception and look forward to engage in the program as it is really a life-changing experience.