Twentytwo13

Sarawak – racial unity at its best

The recent bigoted remarks by Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Nik Salleh is embarrassing, hurtful and disappointing. Till this day, we still have politicians, our so-called leaders, making derogatory religious remarks.

Malaysia turns 57 on Sept 16. Instead of embracing our differences and diversity, there are decision makers who are the ones sparking hatred. I am glad that such bigotry does not exist in Sarawak (and I hope it stays that way).

Nik Muhammad, a PAS leader, had recently made a remark in Parliament that the “Bible has been corrupted or manipulated”. Despite condemnation and backlash, he maintained he had no reason to apologise claiming what he said was “a fact”.

Several Sarawak non-governmental organisation members have lodged police reports and two Sabah leaders have filed a suit against Nik Muhammad over his remarks.

Sarawak is known as the land of unity where we live in a multiracial and multireligious society harmoniously, and I am glad that none of what is transpiring across the South China Sea is affecting the people here.

It is not uncommon to see Malays chatting in Hokkien or Hakka, Iban or Bidayuh, and Muslims and non-Muslims eating at the same table in coffeeshops here.

In fact, I pride myself in being a Sarawakian. Just like every Sarawakian, they would identify themselves as Sarawakian first, then their race.

One of the reasons why such relationship is strengthened is the fact that in Sarawak, interracial and inter-ethnic marriages have become a norm where different cultural and religious backgrounds can come together as family.

Sonia Soen Anak Nahar, 28, and her brother Camillus Caem, 26, are prime examples.

Sonia, a credit analyst and Camillus, a content writer, are Bidayuh-Chinese-Kadazan. Both were born and bred in Kuching. Their mother’s paternal family is from Sabah (Kadazan-Chinese/Christians and Kadazan-Muslim) and their uncle is a Kadazan-Chinese/Muslim by marriage.

“Our dad is from a single race Bidayuh parents, and we do have relatives who are Bidayuh-Muslim by marriage,” Sonia said.

“We are known for our religious and racial harmony and that is what I am most proud of as a Sarawakian. I grew up ordering halal nasi lemak from a stall next to a pork leg rice stall when we dined in our local favourite kopitiam.”

“Values are a reflection of a person’s character. One should never stamp on different cultures or race just because they are different from ours. The only challenge while growing up is trying to explain how ‘rojak’ we are,” she added.

To add to her ‘rojak-ness’, Sonia married a Chindian last year. “I guess my kids are going to be ‘Rojak India with a side of Yu Char Kway’,” she said in jest.

Camillus said that having such a diverse background has its benefits as they are multi-lingual and has every reason to celebrate the festive seasons all year round.

“I can speak a variety of languages – from English to Bahasa Sarawak, Mandarin, Hokkien and a smattering of Bidayuh. We also get to celebrate the many festive seasons all year round.

“Life is a shared meal. Life, overall, is beautiful. And life isn’t dull when you are a tattooed-bearded Dayak attending mass in church finishing up the day over a game of cards at your popo’s (grandmother) house dressed in a batik shirt.

“If I were to sum up my experience of living in such a diverse family in the social construct of Sarawak in one word, it would be ‘awesome!’,” he said.

Indeed. I too am Sarawakian and this Malaysia Day, I hope all Malaysians will learn to embrace our cultural diversity. Otherwise, where else can we have the ability to speak different languages in one sentence and still have others understand us perfectly?

“Aneh, kasi tapau dua roti kosong please…”

This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13. Main picture: Sonia (far left) and Camillus (squatting) at a relative’s home.