‘In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness.’ — JOY Apostolic Ministries
I am very proud of this young Malaysian Chinese. And I take great pride in making this declaration for Chan Ming Youn who is the epitome of an exemplary young Malaysian.
Chan’s story of wanting to serve the nation is one which I strongly believe is sincere and genuine.
I see no reason to think otherwise after his perseverance to accept the challenges and endure the pain and agony in training in order to be a commando with the army.
Chan graduated as an army special forces member this year after completing one of the world’s toughest military training programmes.
The determined young soldier said he was motivated to complete the arduous commando training programme out of a burning desire to make his parents proud.
He recalls almost passing out during a gruelling three-day, 160km march. Recounting it as the “choke point of the training”, Chan said he started hallucinating and was babbling nonsense at around the 140km mark.
The commando training programme, Chan said, was designed to eliminate at least half of its participants so that only those in the best physical and mental condition were left standing and available for selection as soldiers.
Being a Chinese, Chan has also done the community proud by qualifying as a commando in a profession dominated by the Malays.
Even his Malay superiors are proud that Chan is the first Chinese commando in some two decades in the Malaysian armed forces.
Chan is 25, has a degree in accounting and is now undergoing training to be a lieutenant.
Chan said his current focus is on becoming a competent officer, and that he would strive to make his parents proud and be an asset to the country.
Chan’s choice of a career as a soldier also brings up another subject which has been regularly debated — why are Malaysian Chinese youths not attracted to join the army or police?
Many have shared their thoughts on the issue but today, let me quote from Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability who said that “the Malaysian armed forces, like all human institutions, is not free from the flaws of human nature including prejudice”.
But he also said it was wrong to assume that no progress has been made at all to overcome the problem, going on to cite cases of non-Malay personnel who have risen to high-ranking officers.
Allow me to share these thoughts at this juncture. Indeed, Chan is a great example for many young Malaysians who possess the determination and resilience to do good for the nation.
I think there are too many young Malaysian Chinese who went into politics, claiming their desire to serve the people and nation as their primary objective.
Many entered the political arena, participated in and were defeated in the elections and subsequently, left politics. Many of the successful ones fell by the wayside soon after they had tasted power, became as unsavoury and as greedy and dirty as their opponents who had earlier earned their spite and condemnation.
Politics is actually not for those, particularly the weak and vulnerable, who genuinely want to serve the people and nation. Better be honest and say that you love the position, status and glory of power associated with political domination.
For young Malaysian Chinese men, if it is your sincere and genuine desire to serve the country, either choose a disciplined career similar to Chan’s or on education, innovation and entrepreneurship, technological and scientific contributions, global ambassadorship, etc besides politics.
Young people are a valuable asset to any nation because of their energy, fresh perspectives and potential for innovation. They can make their country proud and contribute to its progress in many ways.
With wars waging in several parts of the world today, the youth can also take a stand against violence, extremism and corruption, promoting peace and harmony within their communities and nations.
Young people can often help break down social, religious and ethnic barriers, contributing to a more united and progressive society.
In short, the young generation has the power to transform the future of a country by being responsible, innovative and active participants in various fields.
Through their efforts in education, politics, culture, and more, they can significantly contribute to national development and make their country proud.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
