Lion dance at US Merdeka celebration sends wrong message

 

A video clip has been going around, showing Malaysians or those who have migrated to the United States, marking Merdeka Day with a parade in New York’s Chinatown.

Organised by the Malaysian Association of America, an estimated 100 people marched while waving the Jalur Gemilang as hundreds of Americans lined up by the roadside watching the show of patriotism.

A banner borne by the marchers said they were celebrating Malaysia’s 65th independence.

A message accompanying the video clip said: “We’re Malaysian!! No matter where we are, we love our Malaysia. The Malaysian Association of America: doing a Merdeka day parade in Flushing Chinatown, New York. These Malaysians overseas are showing their patriotism.”

Such expressions of love and patriotism abroad by Malaysians living there, or those who have become citizens, warms many of our hearts. As for me, goose bumps pop up all over when such a show of love for the country is displayed openly.

However, there could have been a glaring show of insensitivity by the organisers when the entourage was led by a lion dance. Yes, it’s their right but they should have known better that they are ambassadors of a multiracial country and thus should have displayed a truly Malaysian culture.

Everyone knows that the lion dance is part of Chinese culture. Of course, it is included at national cultural events in Malaysia but it is always alongside traditional acts by the Malay, Indian, Iban, Kadazandusun and Orang Asli communities too.

The only thing Malay about the New York march was a few Chinese participants in Baju Melayu, merely a form of window dressing, I would say.

As we all know, New York teems with Malaysians of various ethnicities, including Malays and Indians. I am sure, if asked, they would have been willing partners to help the organisers showcase a “Truly Malaysian” parade, with their traditional attire, dances and other aspects of our rich multi-cultural life.

I believe that it was a wrong signal sent to the foreigners watching the event, as it was not a truly Malaysian front they portrayed. Where were the Indian, Iban, Kadazandusun and Orang Asli traditions that also form the Malaysia we live in?

The organisers should have known better and been more inclusive: that is what they would have demanded of Malaysian authorities before they migrated.

Remember, the association calls itself the Malaysian Association of America, so they should have been more sensitive to portray what the country is actually made up of.

This is exactly the kind of action that every community in Malaysia picks on when our government agencies or departments fail to include cultures other than Malay during its “Keluarga Malaysia” events.

Patriotism, I’m afraid, is not merely getting together to wave the national flag. Or flying the Jalur Gemilang on our vehicles or at our homes. As  would have been noticed, the fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign launched a month before Merdeka Day on Aug 31 was a dismal failure.

This was not only this year, but it happens every year. But you cannot use this as a barometer to gauge how much Malaysians love the country. It won’t be wrong to say that most, if not all, love the country which they call their home.

But whether they love the government of the day or its questionable policies is another question. Let’s not mix country with government here, they are not interchangeable.

So using the slogan “Keluarga Malaysia” in all speeches and on government websites prominently is just not enough to convince Malaysians that the government is practising inclusivity.

The old adage “action speaks louder than words” may sound obsolete but I am afraid it is very relevant here. So the government has to show that its “Keluarga Malaysia” cry is really sincere and not one that is used to mislead Malaysians with the general election around the corner.

The Malaysian diaspora should not practise discrimination either, after having highlighted discrimination in government policies and actions of the past and present as among their reasonse to emigrate.

The Malaysian Association of America, which could well be seen by the foreigners as one representing the Malaysian people, could have made their patriotic act more meaningful by including other Malaysian cultures.

For now, we should appreciate that they remembered our Merdeka Day despite being oceans apart. But Malaysians in other parts of the world should not forget their roots when they hold events: they should celebrate and showcase our multicultural heritage. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.