Alejo, Christian Allen S.

RZl-10/A12

Rizal: the Malayan Hero

Perhaps, unknown to many of the Malayan descendants (Indonesians,
Malaysians); Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is what the
Malays should be proud of.
This coming June 19, 2014, we will be commemorating the birth of the
great hero of the literature- should I say, who probably not the most
courageous, muscular, and manly hero we ever known, but had
contributed the most significant heroic works that will not be forgotten in
history. Rizal, despite the said aberration that he disagreed to the
revolutionary plans of the Katipuneros, would probably the most who made
it happen. Unquestionably, through his writings, he had expressed the
growing national consciousness of many Filipinos who opposed Spanish
colonial tyranny and aspired to attain democratic rights. We had talked his
life and about how did Rizal became the greatest hero of the Filipinos, but
let us raise it up in a broader context.
Unquestionably, Rizal was one of the greatest hero of the Filipino
people, but how was Rizal compared to other heroes of the Malayan race?
To all the heroes of the Malayan race, Tunku Abdul Rahman, is one who
came closest to Rizals heroism. Tunku Abdul Rahman was the first prime
minister of Malaysia. He was able to unite the people of Malaya who are of
different races and religions. He was a brave man to fight against the
British colonialism for national independence. Above all, he was a wise
man to be able to secure Malayas independence without bloodshed.
Apparently, Tunku Abdul Rahman sentiments were somehow like Rizals.
He was also the one to be recognized in giving independence to the
Malaysian people. However, Rahmans contributions are more concrete
than Rizals. Rizals contribution to our national independence is more of
inspiration and not like Rahman who concretely drove Malaysia to
independence. But, does it justify that Rahman is greater than Rizal?
Sensibly, yes; however, it is a matter of analyzation of facets affecting their
heroism. Their difference of time and condition are factors that will not let
us measure/compare their heroism.

Whether Rizal or Rahman is the best Malayan hero, we cannot deny
their contributions to the independence of the two Malayan nations. Without
them, we would not be able to feel the freedom we have right now. Their
heroism is what we should be proud of being a Malayan.