DESPITE a thunderstorm and massive traffic congestion all over the Klang Valley, more than 250 people gathered in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday — which was Malaysia Day — for the launch of a unique movement called Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM).

 

The movement that first took off in Augst 2007 and remained inclusive, has since grown into a larger grouping opposing communal and race-based politics, especially after the last general election.

After that election, said a coordinator of SABM, Ambrose Poh, “we have, sadly, seen politicians from both sides of the divide continuing to play the race card”.

It has become increasingly plain to many Malaysians, he said, that if indeed we are to become a nation of
a single people who embrace diverse cultures and faiths, “it can only be attained through the efforts of ordinary folk like you and me who do not desire political power, but only wish to see justice and equality for all”.

This group of like-minded Anak-Anak Bangsa Malaysia have since come together and have worked hard to try and put together a programme they hope will see the beginnings of the spirit of One People, One Nation taking root in Malaysia.

The movement is now building a network of individuals involved in this initiative with a view to developing a series of SABM neighbourhood get-together sessions at which the One People, One Nation message can be shared at the most minimal of costs to the organisers.

Another key coordinator of the movement, lawyer and blogger Haris Ibrahim, who outlined the concept and goals of SABM at the launch, said the movement was committed to engendering a national mindset to
think and act first and foremost as Malaysians.

“One Nation, One People means rising above the social constructs and divisive forces of ethnicity, faith, colour, class or gender,” Haris added.