While doing research on the JPA scholarship I came across one highly debated topic that intrigued me, that is the fact that so many of our scholars are migrating overseas.
One comment that made me laugh cynically was that scholars should return to their homeland because of patriotism, gratitude to their government, and out of a desire to 'berjasa kepada negara'.
Well, personally, I feel that its too much to expect from Malaysian scholars and workers living overseas to return just because of a patriotic whim. Its a different story if your studies are sponsored by the government, of course, or if the government has greatly 'assisted' you in any way. But I think most of those overseas are there without assistance from (or maybe even in spite of) the government. Thus they feel they owe nothing to the government. Rightly so? Maybe. You decide. But personal gain has always been a much more powerful influence than conscience or idealistic values. For most of us.
Anyway, my question is, how much allegiance do we actually owe our country? Do we owe it our jobs? Our incomes? Our futures? Even our lives?
Richard Nixon once said, "Think not of what your country can do for you, but of what you can do for your country". But the truth of it is that governments are there for the service of the people. If they don't like the government, they'll just go somewhere else or try to start a new one.
I personally feel that my country isn't worth dying for. Dying for my friends and family, yes. Protecting those whom I love, yes. But I wouldn't die for Malaysia if nobody I loved lived in Malaysia. Dying for religion, maybe. Dying for ideals and beliefs, maybe. Dying for love, maybe. But not dying for nothing but my country.
I personally believe patriotism is an outdated value. Who cares what country you're from anymore? Not me. Individualism is more important. Plus I do not believe in segregation by nationality. Everyone is equal, though some might seem to be more equal than others.
You are who you are, or who you make yourself to be. Not who your country wants you to be.
Don't get me wrong here. I think Malaysia is a great country, better than most, especially if you're a Bumiputera. And I'm proud to be a Malaysian. But my point is that nationality isn't such a big deal. At least not as I see it at the moment (ask me again during FIFA World Cup and I'll probably give you a different answer). =)
