It saddens me to know that our beloved Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed (henceforth Dr M) is of the opinion that there will never be a true Malaysian. After 51 years of being an independent nation, is it cockamamie to think that true Malaysians exist? Is it really something unachievable?
Dr M's opines as such because the people (you and I) continue to hang on to our own identity, culture and language. Our former prime minister further said that such obstacles would not only hinder unity but also block the government's efforts to create a new Malaysian race.
He added that unless Malaysians of different races, languages and cultures embrace ONE identity for the sake of our future and nation (like in the Philippines and Thailand), there will never be a true Malaysian.
Dr M clearly regards our different races, cultures and languages as a stumbling block rather than a stepping stone. That is disappointing because ever since my schooling days, I have been taught to take pride in the fact that i live in a multiracial and multireligious country (negara berbilang kaum dan agama).
Malaysia has always played that fact to our advantage (eg on websites, brochures, etc). We often promote ourselves to the world as a unique country in which citizens of different races and religions live in harmony with one another.
Furthermore, the Visit Malaysia 2014 website states that the “Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture”.
By virtue of “hanging on to our own culture”, we have developed a Malaysian culture. Should we all now abandon our own cultures and embrace a common identity? No! If we did so, what would make us any different compared to our neighbouring countries?
The truth of the matter is that we don’t all need to have one identity in order to be a true Malaysian. A true Malaysian is one who:
1. Knows the cultures of different races
- During Chinese New Year, red packets (angpows) are given out by those married to their younger relatives
- Malay children are brought up to shake and kiss the hands of their parents/elders
- Henna body art is an essential part of the Indian culture
- Kadazandusuns in Sabah celebrate the Kaamatan (harvest) festival while the Dayaks in Sarawak celebrate Gawai Dayak
2. Speaks a little of every language
- Tamil: Dei/Deyh, Thambi, Anne, Tani/Thani
- Cantonese: Tabao, Leng Lui, Leng Zai
- Mandarin: Wo Ai Ni, Lao Shi, Ni Hao Ma
- Hokkien: Wa, Lu, Toh Long,
- BM saints: Kantoi, Lepak, Awek, Cun
3. Supports national athletes and national teams
- Datuk Lee Chong Wei (badminton)
- Harimau Malaya (football)
- Pandalela Rinong (diving)
- Azizulhasni Awang (cycling)
- Datuk Nicol Ann David (squash)
- Sazali Samad (bodybuilding)
4. Refuses to racially abuse his/her fellow brothers and sisters
- The quote "We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race" by Kofi Atta Annan has become somewhat of a platitude
- However, there is so much truth in it!
5. Knows key historical events
- August 31, 1957 marks the independence of Malaya
- Sarawak achieved independence on the July 22, 1963 while August 31, 1963 was when Sabah became a sovereign state
- Malaysia was formed in 1963, on September 16, comprising of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak
6. Knows the national anthem (NegaraKu) by heart
- Though those of us out of public school no longer sing it every Monday, we live out the words every day!
- On top of that, we temporarily have the honour and privilege (no, I'm not being sarcastic) of collectively singing it in the cinema prior to any movie.
The list is not exhaustive. Take some time to think what else should be a touchstone of being a true Malaysian. Embracing a common identity is definitely not one of them!
The 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan once said, "If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen." It clearly makes no sense to say that you love your country but don't love your countrymen!
Simply put, a true Malaysian is one who places his fellow brothers and sisters first. By loving our fellow Malaysians, we can forge an indestructible unity! It all begins with love!
* Joshua Wu reads The Malaysian Insider.
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