Every year, come the tail end of August and until the middle of September, politicians in Malaysia, without fail, will blow the unity trumpet.
They will talk about how Malaysians are one people, that the government of the day cares for all, and other similar rhetoric simply because of the month-long Merdeka (Aug 31) and Malaysia Day (Sept 16) celebrations.
Most, if not all, is hot air, especially the current ‘slogan’ of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ (Malaysian Family). That is because there are Malaysians who still feel like stepchildren, by the way they are treated by the government.
These include the minorities and even those from East Malaysia – who have more rights than most to be called Malaysians.
The overly religious sentiments of certain political parties and their members often pour water on activities they do not agree with.
This includes the planned series of concerts in the coming months. They do not look at how much tourism money these events bring into the country – from food and beverage, accommodation, transport, retail, et cetera. Or the international publicity the country gets from hosting these events.
These politicians do all they can to divide and rule when Malaysia, as a united country, has so much potential.
Those living in Peninsula Malaysia usually bear the brunt of these zealots, unlike in East Malaysia, where for the most part, peace and harmony reign among the numerous indigenous tribes.
Yet, Malaysians only have to look at how their fellow citizens get along in Sabah and Sarawak to know the true meaning of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’.
In Sarawak, Muslims and non-Muslims have no qualms sitting and eating together at the same table in a Chinese coffee shop. They respect each other’s boundaries and space, which is why you can find a Muslim selling mee rebus next to a stall selling kolok mee.
I have seen such examples on the many occasions I visited my in-laws in Bau, a little town about 35km from Sarawak’s capital, Kuching.
Similarly, whenever one is in need, churches and mosques open their doors to help – during flood season or other natural disasters – regardless of religion.
They do not discriminate or look down on others simply because they are ‘not orang kita’ (not one of us). To them, everyone is ‘keluarga’ (family).
There have been many instances of breaking of the fast during Ramadan, held simultaneously in churches and mosques that are next to each other. The food is cooked by the whole kampung (village) and shared by all.
On Fridays, the churches open their car parks for Muslims, while mosques do the same for Christians on weekends.
I have been to Christian weddings where there was no alcohol, where ‘chefs’ prepared meals to cater to all religions. Similarly, I have seen Muslim and Christian weddings with traditional elements to honour ‘pagan’ ancestors.
To them, it is a way of paying respect to those who came before them. These time-honoured components do not diminish their new faiths.
It is all about acceptance – something our shallow politicians always preach, but never follow.
We often hear how Sabahans and Sarawakians lead the way in the name of unity. For Keluarga Malaysia to work, it’s high time we learn from them.
