MALAYA gained independence 64 years ago and last month, the rakyat celebrated 58 years of the inclusion of three further territories to its Federation. These were the Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak, and Singapore, which later left the Federation.
This annual celebration is known as Malaysia Day.
Yet, the question remains – even as Malaya transitioned to Malaysia and prides itself on its diversity – how far we have truly come in respecting differences and embracing our distinctiveness.
Malaysia’s people – from all walks of life – largely agree that there is no racial disharmony and that Malaysians are indeed one community. However, politics, by common consent, is perceived as being a divisive factor in achieving true racial harmony.
In this special project, ‘Truly Malaysia’, The Vibes spoke to six humanitarian and political activists to get their views on this perception.
Part 1 of a six-part series begins today at The Vibes as we report #FromEverySide.
Learn more about each other, says Orang Asli artist
Malaysia is a coming together of races, religions, and cultures. It is home to the main three principal races – the Chinese, Indians, Malays – and many other ethnic groups. In terms meant to bolster tourism, Malaysia is packaged as a ‘one-stop centre for a unique multicultural journey experience.’
However, at home, do Malaysians truly comprehend and embrace living in such a diverse country and complex country?
With so many cultures naturally great traditions, celebrations, and festivals converge. And Malaysians – irrespective of culture or creed, and whether they commemorate the occasion or not – come together to share in celebration.
As celebrations are occasioned annually, the question that plays in all our minds is whether Malaysians appreciate and understand the meaning of unity – whether national or cultural.
More importantly, what does the concept of Unity mean to a younger generation?
The Vibes in conjunction with 58 years since the formation of Malaysia interviewed Orang Asli activist and artist Shahar a/l Koyok.
Maintaining that the Orang Asli communities remain strangers in their own land – Shaq, who comes from the Temuan indigenous community – notes that with the presence of many different cultures, races, and religions – Malaysians, deep in their hearts, recognise they are living in a wonderfully diverse country.
Following a prolonged period of isolation due to Covid-19 pandemic, this realisation of Malaysia in its essence, he asserts, “is better late than never’. – The Vibes, October 16, 2021
