![Intro2jr2014 [International Exchange]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf3GCYsN16TXCsgDUVSlCUEHesZsr7jVEVM65jyK7PiC1XtR8J7DAOz8knzEaHFOsJ9cvVWJKhXknphPD4jyuGxxCFY14c6p7s5ZFXeQ5gU_AZEzMHefNVHJGfWxGw0YgxSqBCGeVh0YJ/s940/P1030370.JPG)
Malaysia's national flag is known as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory).
Source: http://tuahteguhtabah.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html
What does it mean to be a Malaysian?
I
have been a Malaysian for two decades, and I am and I will still be a Malaysian
for the decades to come. Malaysia is my country, my home, my family and my love
as it shines with stripes of glory!
Physically,
I was born in the territory of Malaysia, thus I was vouchsafed the identity of
a Malaysian nationality. It is indeed a blessing to be born here and to grow up
in this amazing land which is blessed with decent climate, rich biodiversity
and spectacular natural landscapes. Being a Malaysian, I feel grateful to only
need to bear two kinds of weather, namely sunny days and rainy days. Moreover,
the country is free from many deadly natural disasters like volcanic eruptions,
typhoons, earthquakes except the effect of Indian Ocean earthquake which
brought an awful impact in certain places of Malaysia in year 2004. I am always
awed by the breath-taking God’s creations like the islands (Pulau Tioman, Pulau
Redang, Pulau Sipadan) and the mountains (Gunung Kinabalu, Gunung Tahan, Gunung
Mulu). There are a lot more to be explored and experienced in the splendid
nature of the tropical rainforest which is estimated to contain 20 percent of
the world’s animal species. I love jungle-trekking, mount-hiking, sight-seeing
and even only looking at color-changing skies and hearing to the chirping of
the birds which are truly soothing and refreshing.
 |
| Tropical Rainforest Source: http://www.123rf.com |
Mentally
and emotionally, I was brought up in a Malaysian Chinese family. Although my
parents are not racist, I was somehow instilled with the kiasu (self-attitude) to
have certain stereotypes over the other races like Malays and Indians. Studying
at a Chinese primary school may be another factor of that attitude as well.
However, I am more Malaysian now in
terms of my mental knowledge about the country and the emotions I have towards
my beloved nation. Knowing the history of our former leaders striving to attain
independence and national heroes who risked or are still risking their lives in
uniting the multi-racial society of Malaysia, I am galvanized to love my
country in a deeper and greater manner. ‘God sees no color’ further motivates
me to acknowledge every single person as God’s beloved children regardless of
skin color and ethnicity. I learn to cherish all the little sentiments from
different people of different background, religion and race. It is always
heart-warming to experience the bountiful culture of Malaysia as the abundance
is filled with logos, pathos and ethos that are significantly intriguing and
bona fide.
How have all the news reports about
race, religion and ethnicity affected me?
I
am told by my parents and grandparents that back then, they loved spending time
with other races. For instance, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Iban and
other races loved gathering together especially during special festivals like
Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Deepavali. They mingled together in
love and harmony despite of their different beliefs and culture. Much to my
dismay is that I seldom experience or even see citizens of different races bonding
together. I feel worse when I read and hear news reports which fortify the
walls of racial and religious separation in Malaysia.
The
news which impacted me was an incident happened in January 2, 2014 when the
Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) seized 321 Bibles in Bahasa
Malaysia and Iban Languages. This has already opposed the Article 11 of the
Constitution of Malaysia (supreme law) which provides every citizen to have the
freedom of religion. Another news report would be the provocative headline
published on a local Malay newspaper after the 2013 general election, which
stated ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu?’ (What more do the Chinese want?). I do respect the
freedom of expression, but, is this ethical for a journalist to publish such controversial
headline which manifests partiality and might disrupt the racial relationships
of the people. The general election is a political issue which might have been
made a racial issue by this publication. I am indeed sad to see these kinds of
news reports, however, I am at the same time prompted to cherish more of the
relationships with my friends of other races and also uniting together to heal
the scars of this nation. Anyway, there are of course news reports which cheer
me up with the depiction of unity among the multi-cultural Malaysians.
All
in all, I am thankful and thrilled to be a Malaysian. I enjoy living together
with different races in this land filled with blessed wonders. As an aspiring
film maker and media practitioner, I truly hope that I can do my little part in
being a socializing agent which preserves and ameliorates Malaysia’s stripes of
glory!
Do watch this
video to see the different races of Malaysia. Enjoy!
References:
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| Malaysia's natural landscape Source: http://www.fakruljamil.com/ |
 |
| Mount Kinabalu- the tallest mountain in Malaysia Source: http://www.pleasetakemeto.com |
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