Mandela, rugby and 1Malaysia
Josie M Fernandez
Mar 18, 10
A story that was narrated to me by a friend recently has some cogent lessons for us on our journey towards 1Malaysia:
"Two friends from KL decided to escape the current heatwave and take a tour to a small place somewhere in Negri Sembilan, a lush green and cool resort 1,000 feet above sea level.
"Not knowing the road, they set off with their GPS, hoping that it would guide them as road signs were often misleading. As they were enjoying the scenery along the smallwinding roads up the hills, they unexpectedly came across icons of '1Malaysia' on the hillsides. There was also a '1Malaysia' monument standing prominently. The friends felt good to see that the '1Malaysia' brand was so important that even the small roads boasted it.
This, said the friend, reminded him of the time when Nelson Mandela was elected as the President of South Africa in 1994. "The country was emotionally and physically torn after years of the repressive apartheid policy, so Mandela chose nation building as his primary task, using the slogan 'One People One Nation'. The country was facing economic gloom, and there was much hate and fear everywhere. Mandela, who had spent 27 years in prison reflecting on how to build his nation, now sprang into action. He realised that hate or division should not be allowed to fester. Looking backwards to protect the old ways or seeking revenge would destroy the nation."
He continued: "Rugby in South Africa was a game cherished by the whites; it was a symbol of apartheid, a reminder of the old ways of repression of the coloured people. The new rugby committee that took over was mostly coloured, and they voted unanimously that the green and gold theme of the rugby team be discontinued and their name changed to represent the new ways, putting an end to the old symbolism. On hearing this news, Mandela, who was in his presidential office, stopped working and rushed to the rugby meeting. His advisers tried to dissuade him, arguing that his country needed him for bigger things. He need not get involved in small issues, they argued, but he overruled them."
'Reconsider decision'
I thought that the advisers had a point, but my friend explained:
"Mandela congratulated the committee on their vote, but urged them to reconsider their decision. 'I have been elected the leader of your country; now please allow me to lead you,' he said. Rugby, said Mandela, was a game cherished by the whites and if this joy was taken away from them, it would generate more hate and anger. 'South Africa needs every brick, no matter what colour, to build this nation' the first post-apartheid president said."
"Mandela urged them to restore the name and colours of the rugby team," my friend said. "There was much resistance and disbelief among the public. How could he ask this? Even his own daughter complained to him that the captain of the rugby team had been a police officer in the repressive regime, who had come late one night to arrest and harass his wife and children when he was in prison and unable to protect his own family. What was he asking?
"The President stood his ground and staked his future on this principle of inclusion. His advisors were distraught. Why did he risk his political career on a game of rugby when a nation was awaiting his leadership? He won by only one vote. Mandela did not have any campaigns or logos - it was the power of his leadership. This act demonstrated his commitment and sacrifice for his belief in ONE NATION."
Mandela strongly believed anything worthwhile needed to be built on twin foundations of sacrifice and commitment. Today Mandela's leadership is admired globally. EvenMalaysia it is often mentioned, had provided support to Nelson Mandela to build his 'One Nation'. How visionary Malaysia had been. Can Malaysia learn from the South African experience?
As I pondered on the Mandela story, some questions came to mind.
- Are we willing to sacrifice our cherished notions for the sake of harmony and unity?
- Would making sacrifices be seen as a weakness or strength?
- Could we walk the route that South Africa took with their National Reconciliation Policy?
- Is it time to review our understanding of national unity?
JOSIE M FERNANDEZ is currently an Asian Public Intellectual Fellow, director of PhilanthropyAsia, researcher and engages with Transparency International Malaysia in anti-corruption measures. An educationist, Josie moved on to citizen's advocacy working with national/international NGOs. She holds a masters degree in development management from the Asian Institute of Management, Philippines. Working on sustainability, philanthropy and anti-corruption actions are some of her current passions besides writing.
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