The contributions of the ‘intruders’ – K K Wong

Once again racism has reared its ugly head in Malaysia. Ironically, it is close to May 13, a date which in the annals of the history of this nation saw this country at odds with itself in 1969.

The inter-racial conflicts brought home the delicate message that peace in this nation can be very fragile and must not be taken for granted. Since 1969, much has happened in inter-racial relations in a Malaysia and it would be fair to say that Malaysians have generally lived in peace.

Indeed Malaysia has been cited internationally as a country where different races live in relative harmony. However it also cannot be denied that occasionally, racial tensions had surfaced, but this is to be expected in the evolution of this complex nation with its diversity of peoples, cultures and religions.

Recently, a Malaysian has called Malaysians of a different ethnic origin "intruders". This is interesting because if one were to research into the history of the origins of the Malays in present day Malaysia, the original or proto Malays came from Yunnan in China. They are the present day Orang Asli.

The present day Malays had their origins from the peoples of the ancient trade routes, Persia, China  and Cambodia  and these peoples intermarried with the proto Malays to form the Deutero Malays, who are the present day Malays.
Therefore the present day Malays are also intruders who intruded into the Malay Peninsula earlier than the later "intruders" like the Chinese, Indians and all the other races, that we see in the present day Malaysia.

All Malaysians regardless of their ethnic origins have contributed to the development of this nation. The Indian rubber tappers and the Chinese tin mine workers with their hard work had contributed to the initial wealth of the country. The contributions of our forefathers of different ethnic backgrounds have laid down the solid foundations for the present day Malaysia. Their names have been etched into the history of this nation for eternity. There is no argument about this and history cannot lie.

By the same token, the peoples that comprise the citizens of many countries in the world are also "intruders". Arguably, one can say that the English and the Irish intruded into America, the English and French into Canada, the English into Australia and New Zealand. One must say that these "intruders" have done well for the place that they had "intruded". All have contributed to what are some of the greatest nations in the world today, especially economically.

Therefore, to my fellow Malaysian, let there be peace especially on this Wesak Day, the birthday of Lord Buddha. Respect other peoples' customs, cultures, beliefs and religions in this unique country of ours. How well we go forward depends on how well we know each other. Let us keep knowing and learning about each other.

If our ultimate aim is to achieve Vision 2020, we must go forward and not retreat a thousand years. Then it will be truly Malaysia Boleh.

* K K Wong reads The Malaysian Insider.