Not all Malaysians agree that we are Malaysian first. Some prefer to end their reading of our history with the 'Malaysian Merdeka'; others want to retain the concept of Tanah Melayu , day-dreaming that colonial history and global influences never existed.

Such logic may be okay for one group, for that was their founding logic and provided the grounds for achieving their merdeka from British colonialism. Their hope and premise was a return to retaining control of the Malay peninsula.

The only problem to this outdated view was posed by the agreed terms of the Merdeka Constitution - agreed by all our forefathers and without anyone - including the Rulers and politicians of the day - being under duress.