Tricia Yeoh

The first time I encountered oppression is …

when a secondary school teacher gave discriminatory remarks against some Chinese students in my classroom.

From this oppression, I learnt …

that the relationship between different races in this country is sometimes a fragile thing and must be worked on constantly—just like any relationship— especially if we believe that a united and cohesive nation is crucial for Malaysia’s future.

From this experience of oppression, I would change …

the way people of different ethnicities treat each other. I believe that if we all practise the most basic principles of unconditional respect, humility and understanding towards each other, regardless of our differences, this would earn us deep friendships with people from different backgrounds.

The last time I recall feeling patriotic …

is when I reflected upon the diverse mix of colleagues and interns whom I work with. I experienced a most satisfactory feeling within me, the result of knowing that it is this precise, unique combination of individuals from different backgrounds with vastly different experiences, that makes the work that we do truly wonderful and exceptional.

I think the best person who represents these values is …

Tunku Abdul Rahman.