Modern =)

ASSALAMU`ALAIKUM WARAHMATULLAH

For us to be a modern nation, we need to meticulously observe all things that need revisions. For a start, we should begin with the modern definition itself. Literally, it means "of or relating to a recently developed or advanced style, technique, or technology: modern art; modern medicine; avant-garde; experimental.". Well, I'm not quite agree with this. This is a Westernized, thus secularized definition. It does not fit with what I have in mind.

History: - here we go again

Etymologically, modern means "of or pertaining to present or recent times," circa 1500, from Middle French moderne, from Latin modernus "modern," from Latin modo "just now, in a (certain) manner," from modo "to the measure," ablative of modus "manner, measure". I do not have time explaining this historical conundrum, but seriously - these definitions have only a pinch resemblance to what its modern definition is. It is simple, "just now".

Referring to just now, it means what something or/and us are today. Our present stature, our recent development. Chronologically, when we say 'modern Malaysia', then, it means "what Malaysia is today". So, what is the modern Malaysia? This is subjective to readers (mmuahh). By the way, modernization therefore, means "of efforts to be in the most up to date (present) state". 

Where is Malaysia?

For me, to be a perfect nation, we should not be moving forward. We should be moving into ourselves. In his book, Prof Dr. Syed Naquib al-Attas said that "being perfect is being what you are meant to be". In Islam, in means, going back to our fitraah, not being what Western envisioned. We be ourselves.

By this definition, Malaysia is not going anywhere to REAL modern nation. It becomes a WESTENIZED nation. And that is two different things. And Aboriginal Australia? They are a whole lot modernized than us. Hahaha.