-------------------------------------------------
Essay 2
Sarawakians are strong people. We have outlived all those who have tried to enslave us in the past. The White Rajahs came. The Japanese came. They brought their weapons and they forced us to get down on our knees. But our forefathers fought back. They resisted, not with modern weapons but with courage and an indomitable spirit. We, Sarawakians, are strong in the face of adversity.
Today, adversity is again staring at us in our face. But this time it isn’t brandishing weapons of destruction. This time the enemy is from within. The enemy is us.
Sarawak has made huge progress ever since she gained independence in 1963. Even then there are people who think we still live on trees. Yes, trees with built-in elevators, widescreen HD LED television and surround-sound system, I would tell them. They may say it as a joke but jokes often mask ugly truths and make them easier to swallow.
So at the risk of sounding politically incorrect, I will say this. There are many Malaysians, yes our fellow Malaysians, who look down on us. They accuse us of being uncompetitive and complacent, always a few steps behind. The sad news is in many ways we are guilty as charged. I’m not going to whitewash the facts and pretend that I can’t see the elephant in the room. Let’s have the guts to admit that we are indeed behind our compatriots from West Malaysia in some areas.
Unless we do something about it right now, the competitive gap between East and West Malaysia will continue to widen. Let’s not even think about competing with people from other countries. We haven’t even conquered the opponent at our front door yet.
The youths of Sarawak have giant roles to play. We are the torch bearers for our beloved motherland. We are the ones who have the power to make a difference in the next 50 years. But we tell ourselves we don’t have the best infrastructure, we don’t have the best transportation system and we don’t have the best education system. So, how can we possibly become the best?
We mustn’t let ourselves be shackled by our limitations. Instead let us rise to the occasion. Yes, we may not possess the best infrastructure or the best transportation system or the best education system in the country. But if we allow any of these limitations to determine what we, as a people, can or cannot achieve, then we have just defeated ourselves.
It is up to us to make a difference for Sarawak in the next 50 years. You may think that alone you are just a tiny speck of sand. But greatness takes root in small beginning. When each one of us commits to producing excellence in everything we do we become a force to be reckoned with.
You and I have so much to offer Sarawak. We don’t have to possess great talents before we can start to serve. We just need to start right now.