Celebrating diversity: Fostering unity in Malaysia
THE rich tapestry of Malaysia’s culture and traditions finds vibrant expression in the Multiracial Malaysian of Sabah Origin (MOSO) community, especially during festive celebrations. This was evident during the recent Chinese New Year celebration in Kota Kinabalu, where the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, announced the official hosting of state-level celebrations for Chinese New Year and Christmas.
This historic decision reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to embrace and celebrate the diversity that defines Sabah’s cultural landscape.
In his speech, Hajiji emphasized the importance of our current role in fostering harmony among people of various races and religions in Sabah. His speech covered various aspects including religious celebrations such as Hari Raya, Christmas and Chinese New Year, where he invited all parties to celebrate various cultures and traditions in Sabah.
Hajiji also highlighted the presence of various communities at the multiracial event, stressing the importance of cooperation between groups to ensure unity among all walks of life.
The inaugural Chinese New Year celebration in Kota Kinabalu witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 10,000 attendees enjoying various performances, including mesmerizing lion dances and captivating cultural displays. Collaboratively organized by the state government and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), the event showcased a magnificent 350-foot-long dragon replica, symbolizing the cultural significance of the occasion.
Similarly, in neighboring Sarawak, authorities echoed similar sentiments during an open house event, emphasizing the importance of celebrating all festivals together to strengthen interracial relations. The gathering attracted over 5,000 guests from diverse backgrounds, including Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, alongside other dignitaries.
This collective celebration of diversity exemplifies Malaysia’s unique tradition of emphasizing unity, where festivals are considered and celebrated collectively, transcending national and ethnic boundaries.
Indeed, Sabah and Sarawak stand as shining beacons of what Malaysia aspires to be - a nation that values and promotes tolerance, diversity, and harmony within a multiracial and multi-religious society. The vibrant display of cultures observed in these states is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity that binds Malaysians together, transcending differences and fostering mutual respect and understanding.
However, amid the celebration of diversity, Malaysia grapples with challenges posed by divisive politics and racial tensions, especially in Malaya. The continuous use of racial labels against organizations and individuals poses a serious threat to the unity painstakingly built by our forefathers over the years. For example, if a group supporting cultural diversity is consistently labeled as “going against the mainstream” or “promoting a specific agenda” without clear reasons or based on prejudice, this may lead to disagreement and tension within society.
Even though Sabah may initially seem protected from such issues, the insidious nature of racism knows no boundaries. For instance, if there is a tendency to label racism outside Sabah without truly understanding the values and goals of those communities, it may spark hatred and affect perceptions of national unity.
The impact is felt in the most harmonious societies like Sabah, where ethnic and cultural diversity is part of the identity all layers of society embrace. The use of racial labels can damage trust and relationships among communities that previously lived in harmony, causing fractures in communal life and challenging the overall stability of the nation.
Therefore, it is crucial to avoid the unreasonable use of racial labels and understand that every organization or individual plays a significant role in contributing to the diversity and harmony of society. Only by appreciating differences and avoiding unfair stereotypes can we ensure a stronger unity and a more united society in Malaysia.
In facing these challenges, Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds must prioritize mutual respect and understanding, recognizing that diversity is not a source of division but a strength that enriches the nation’s cultural fabric. The nation’s founding fathers envisioned a Malaysia where unity transcends racial and religious boundaries, a vision that all Malaysians must uphold and nurture.
Recent developments underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to inclusiveness, understanding, and shared responsibility. The rise of divisive rhetoric and racial hatred threatens to unravel the social fabric painstakingly woven by generations past. Malaysians must reclaim the narrative of unity and reject attempts to sow seeds of discord and division.
As a multiracial nation, Malaysia’s identity is intricately woven from the myriad threads of its diverse cultures and traditions. Preserving this identity requires collective effort and unwavering commitment to fostering unity and understanding among all Malaysians. Only by embracing diversity and celebrating our shared heritage can we ensure a harmonious and prosperous future for generations to come.
The Multiracial Malaysian of Sabah Origin (MOSO) community embodies the essence of Malaysia’s cultural diversity, celebrating unity amid differences. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, let us draw strength from our shared heritage and forge ahead with renewed determination to build a more inclusive and harmonious society. Together, we can embrace the richness of our cultural tapestry and chart a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future for Malaysia.