Current issues, feedback & complaints on public services in Malaysia
Our racial harmony a joy to behold
24Jan2008 The StarOPEN houses are a tradition almost exclusive to Malaysia. Whether we are celebrating Hari Raya, Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas or any other festivity, it is inevitable that open houses will be held.
This is when we welcome family and friends to our homes to join the merrymaking. We will pray together, open presents, give and receive money packets and have a big feast.
Given that Malaysia is a country of many races – the major ones being the Malays, Chinese and Indians – who embrace different religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity among others, a sense of racial intimacy prevails throughout these festivities.
Therefore, it is normal to see citizens of different races and religions under one roof enjoying each other’s company as a result of racial bonding and camaraderie.
This reflects the harmony that Malaysians have been enjoying all these years. Festivities are celebrated and enjoyed together without a sense of prejudice.
Many foreigners are not able to comprehend this racial unity among us Malaysians as there are quite a number of different races grouped together in this great country of ours.
Yet, we are able to live together and communicate with each other without extreme prejudices.
Evidence of this phenomena is the fact that our children go to national schools together, grow up together and remain friends for a lifetime.
Racial harmony can be seen also when Malays and Chinese have thosai at Indian stalls andIndians enjoy dim sum; and almost everyone enjoys nasi lemak for breakfast.
As a matter of fact, food is one of the most important factors that tie all the different races into a united and peaceful community.
Another important ingredient in this racial blend is tolerance.
CHANG SEE TEN,
Johor Baru.
Source: The Star – January 24, 2008
3 responses to “Our racial harmony a joy to behold”
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Peter Yew
January 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Thumbs up for your optimistic and positive observations. I want to beleive as much but I am saddened by the ink drops that contaminates the entire pool of water. You know what I mean. The government have very good intentions, very good policies, very good plans. Sadly what is lacking is effective implementation and control as well as whipping the errant civil servants or over-zealous religious officers in line. It is they who continue to grab headlines and give the general impression that we are very intolerant and that racial integration is breaking at the seams. I really wish to read no such news so that we may begin to go back to the impression that we are really a united multiracial country with respect for one another. Such were the good memories of the 1950s and 60s. Sigh!
Alice in Wonderland
January 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I say u must be like Alice in Wonderland…if everything is nice n rosy why so much trouble today…u dint see Hindraf rally ah? where u been? didnt see keris waving also ah? where u been? wake up man..u like katak bawa tempurung lah..so many countries in Europe, US, UK, Australia have more races live 2gether and no fight also, no quarrel, also no khalwat polis…and no big deal 4 them…better go travel lah utherwise u think u is in heaven..tsk tsk..
k
January 27th, 2008 at 12:46 am
the important ingredient in a racial blend is respect, not tolerance. i may tolerate you, throw you smiles, and seethe inside. that’s not what this country should be made of, eh?