Dilemma of the in-betweens: to go, or to stay?

According to a World Bank report in 2010, as many as 1.4 million Malaysians were living or working abroad as of 2009. The report itself acknowledged that the actual numbers are likely much higher, as the Malaysian diaspora has spread far and wide across the world.

But while the figures will be able to tell us how many have left, what is more interesting is an indication of how many want to leave.

In March, a survey by recruitment agency Hays revealed that an overwhelming nine out of 10 job applicants would readily accept an opportunity to work or live abroad.

In times as tumultuous as these, it is only natural for more people to consider opportunities abroad and to secure a “Plan B” should things get worse before they get better. Malaysia is, unfortunately, facing such a situation now.

For the many Malaysians who have left, the reality had simply sunk in that patriotism alone cannot buy their children a world-class education. Nor can it give them a society where they are judged based on their qualities and merits, and not the colour of their skin or religion.

For the Malaysians who have stayed, this is simply home. And it’s a great one, worth the pain of tough times, just so we can see it through to the greater days we believe will soon come.

But then there are also the “in-betweens” – Malaysians who have just about given up on this nation and are now considering emigration, but with a heavy heart.

You are an “in-between” if you consider emigrating and the list of opportunities abroad far outnumber the reasons you have for staying, but yet there is no other place you want to call home, your "tanahair".

If you find yourself torn between the inherent human desire to seek better fortunes for yourself and your family, but cannot explain why it’s so hard to be excited at the thought of a new life in a new country, then you are an “in-between”.

If you’re an “in-between”, perhaps the truth is that it’s just not yet time to give up on Malaysia.

In spite of the lost opportunities and leakages in our country’s finances over the past few decades, Malaysia had for the longest time, been one of the best performing economies among emerging markets.

It is the peace-loving, warm, hardworking Malaysians who have kept this nation afloat in spite of our government, and not because of it. And it is the people’s continued resilience and passion that will keep this country from sinking.

I often playback a particular conversation I had with a friend from across the Causeway who believed with full conviction that the liberal-minded have no real future in Malaysia.

He questioned why anybody who knew better would want to stay on in a country riddled with racial strife, corruption and mismanagement.

I maintained that love, loyalty and patriotism must go beyond the government of the day, and must rise above our sense of entitlement.

Our nation is at a crossroads. The excesses and mismanagement of the past few decades seem to be finally catching up on us, and coupled with the threat of religious extremism, we stand to lose much of what we have toiled to build up over the years – economic success and peace.

If there are enough Malaysians who are liberal, moderate and forward–thinking who will stay, serve and stand up against the wrongdoings of its leaders, Malaysia will surely rise again.

We can be that country that everyone thought would fail, but because of her people, has triumphed.

If you find yourself an “in-between”, remember this: If ever Malaysia needed you, your voice and your vote, it is now.

Because we must not stay for what our country has done for us and what it can do for us. We stay because there is so much we can do for our country. – September 26, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.