IS there a necessity to define, in no uncertain terms, the concepts of "Malaysian Malaysia" or "Bangsa Malaysia" or, the latest, "1Malaysia"?
We see them in the Malay teacher teaching Mandarin in a Chinese school; the Chinese or Indian teacher teaching Bahasa Malaysia in a national school; the Malay and Indian staff helping pupils light lanterns during a mooncake festival celebration in a Chinese school; Muslims breaking fast with halal mooncakes in a Chinese restaurant in Kuala Terengganu; residents of different races in a Rukun Tetangga sector bonded together by the common cause of fighting crime; Malaysians of all races in an international sports meet, standing at attention, singing the Negara Ku heartily, eyes focused on the Jalur Gemilang fluttering in the wind, hearts filled with pride when a fellow Malaysian stands on the winner's rostrum; the list goes on.
People are not machines to be steered and programmed to respond and function in a fixed way. People need love, compassion, respect, sensitivity and mutual sharing and caring to function meaningfully to continually improve on their quality of life.
If we choose to clamour to outgun and outdo one another, then let it be in an atmosphere of friendly and wholesome competition such that it will contribute to the progress, prosperity and pride of Malaysia, and not the reverse.
1 comments:
I had never considered what it is to be Malaysian. However, your article brings to thought about what it is to be American, African, or any other country member, nationality or culture. Thank you for the move to introspecting. :)
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