'Our love for food transcends our differences'

 

OUR MUHIBAH STORY | Malaysiakini began a campaign in April asking readers to share stories from their lives reflecting the muhibah spirit of Malaysia.

In our call-out, we explained our intention to start a chain of positivity, to show that we are proud of our multiculturalism.

“Let’s join hands to uphold diversity and harmony!”

To contribute, we asked readers to submit a photograph depicting their “muhibah Malaysia” experience with a short caption sharing their story.

This month, we will feature some of your submissions, which speak to how much Malaysians value each other - even if sometimes, it may feel like the opposite is true.

A sense of belonging

A muhibah story by Tunku Muhammad Tunku Farahat.

Tunku Muhammad Tunku Farahat with his university friends on their graduation day.

This is a photo of my group of friends who tirelessly helped me through my tertiary education. We all come from different backgrounds and are of different ethnicities and religions.

Aside from helping each other to understand a subject, we enjoyed the constant banter we had with each other, especially when discussing Malaysian politics.

Although we have different political leanings and points of views, as dietitians, we come together as a united front when it comes to enjoying food together.

There wouldn’t be a day then and now when we would not be talking about food and how we would love to eat it together.

The camaraderie over food transcended our political differences. It made us feel what we all longed to feel, a sense of belonging and a real sense of what Malaysia truly is.

Connection in a foreign land

A muhibah story by Charmaine Err.

Charmain Err with her friends in the United Kingdom

During my studies in the United Kingdom in 2010, I celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with fellow Malaysians from different regions.

Coming from a Chinese school background, I didn’t have many Malay friends. But in the UK, I met Fatin. We met at the university open day before other friends arrived in the country.

She lived alone and felt lonely, so I occasionally invited her to my dorm. During Ramadan, I cooked halal food for her and other friends.

This photo was taken on the first Christmas night we celebrated together, a cherished memory where there was no distinction between us, just Malaysians enjoying each other’s company. - Mkini