I don't feel like going out to buy food for my breaking the fast today. There is a lot left-over food in the refrigerator and I am going to finish it - save me the trouble to go out to buy or to cook myself. Last night I watched Oprah Winfrey's show about racial tension in American schools. Things are not much different in our own country. I saw racial prejudice heightened recently. I received a number of Malay-bashing articles by email forwarded by my insensitive non-Malay friends. It is so depressing and create anger and resentment in my heart. I didn't feel this way before. I have very close Chinese and Indian friends and we got on fine together. But now it seems, hate the Malays and look down on them become the fashion.
The political situation is so unsettled that I feel threatened - not for me but for my people now and in future. I feel there is quite a big attempt to marginalise and colonise the Malays by number, professions, money and political pressure. We can see this has happened in our neighbour's country. This is the reason why I don't want to read newspapers and listen to news. It's so depressing and I don't want to be depressed. Believe me, I am not interested in politics but I am concerned about the future of my people.
But What I want to share to day is about my experience on looking at the future. We are not only to plan for next year or 5 years from now but for 20, 30 years ahead of time. Yesterday has passed and today is the guide of tomorrows. My working life began in late 60s and so was my marriage. In early 70s, I had my first child. By then I already had had an idea what it would be like for my children in 20 years time in term of their education. There would be difficulty in getting government scholarships for the Malays, competition would be tough and education and life would be expensive. So, I saved. Unfortunately when there was need for large sum of money, the saving became the target, with a promise that it would be replaced later. It never happened.
After a year I began to feel anxious and wondered what better way for me to save so that the money would not be touched. Insurance!! At that time, buying insurance was almost unheard of among most Malays, let alone buying education insurance. There was no Takaful or any Islamic insurance. I bought education insurances the month my children were born. True enough, the money remained intact there - no withdrawal. My friends looked down on me for being unislamic as insurance was haram, they said. I didn't care. I believed Allah knows my intention and He is most forgiving. If not why do we Muslims always begin whatever we do with the verse ' Bismillahir rahman nir rahim'?
When my oldest daughter wanted to do broadcast journalism in US majoring in radio, there was no scholarship or any funding available. Most people I approached said that it was not a recognised degree and had no market in Malaysia. But she was insistent. I hated the begging, meeting people for help so that her ambition could be fulfilled. Finally, when her insurance matured and with some saving through ASB, it was more than enough to support her 4 year degree course in US.
While in Wichita State University in Kansas, she moved around with non-Malay students. Many a time she was insulted by them by accusing her as a spoilt Malay student being sponsored by the government. So what? I don't see why the Malays have to apologise for that. They will just do the same if they have the opportunity, may be worse. Ika was livid of course and set the record straight. I wouldn't have cared to explain or defend myself. When people have made their own judgment and conclusion, it's a sheer waste of time to explain. I would just say 'Go to Hell!'
My friends told me that I am rich for being able to support her education in US. I was not, but the people were the same people who discouraged me buying education insurance. I am glad I didn't listen to them. My second daughter received a loan and now is paying it back. She had declined the offer of a government scholarship. She didn't want to be bonded. My son's insurance money is neatly saved for his future.
I was glad that what life would be 20 years ahead of my time, came true. There were other situations where I had an inkling of what life would be then and was prepared for it.
So, what I want to convey here, especially to those young people who read this blog, think ahead of time. Plan your future well, Yes, Kita boleh merancang tapi hanya Allah menentukan but Allah asks us to 'berikhtiar'. Start saving as you do not know what it would be like in future especially at old age. There are so many avenues that you can save without fear of losing. Save enough for your children's education. Do not be beggers, begging and hoping for government funds. Estahblish self-dignity. Wake up. Let your children be highly educated. I would like to see more brilliant Malay lawyers, doctors, scientists, bussiness people and many other professions that are open now. Help yourself and help your people to shine and not being walked all over. This is our country. We don't have China or India to be proud of. We belong here.
Never let what Aminuddin Baki said come true - Ayam dikepuk mati kelaparan, itik di air mati kehausan.
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