Walking on the edge Hari Raya – time for unity among all races
We should take stock of how our nation was built, and what we need to do to continue growing.
CONSIDERED one of the most important celebrations in the Muslim calendar, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is an equally meaningful time of the year to many Malaysians. Regardless of race, background or creed, this festive season is a time for togetherness and harmony, when families, neighbours and friends gather to mark this annual celebration.
Personally, I have fond childhood memories of celebrating Raya in my kampung in Merlimau, Melaka. From waking up early in the morning to visiting the homes of friends, the joyous atmosphere was made all the merrier by a sense of unity and camaraderie. This year was no different, as my family and I had the opportunity to spend time with friends and colleagues over the long weekend, celebrating yet another wonderful start to the Syawal month.
These values of togetherness continue to be instilled amongst the rakyat. Despite any dissenters and divisive elements that have cropped up in recent times, our multiculturalism remains one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths.
In the spirit of this Raya season, it is my hope that my fellow rakyat will join me in preserving this vital quality that has defined us since our country’s independence. Only then can we continue to grow, develop and advance as a peaceful and progressive nation.
A rakyat on a journey of unity
Reminiscing on past Aidilfitri celebrations, I am reminded of an article I penned several years ago in conjunction with the festive season, titled “Wei Macha, you want to makan here or tapau?”
After all, what better depicts the unity binding us together than our unique Malaysian way of communicating with each other? This seamless blend of four different languages truly captures the essence of Malaysians as a whole.
Our diversity in cultures and traditions only serves to contribute to our growth. This is why I have always been adamant in championing the need to protect our vernacular education streams.
Our multilingualism is an advantage, allowing us to communicate better in a rapidly globalised world. With China now established as the world’s second largest economy and a clear champion of globalisation, our ability to converse in Mandarin has benefited the nation, as we were the first country in Asean to establish diplomatic ties with China. Today, China and Malaysia’s partnership is at an alltime high, and Malaysia plays a crucial role as China’s gateway into the region.
Over the years, MCA has been unwavering in our efforts to ensure that vernacular schools are given the support they need to continue educating our younger generation. Under my leadership, we are as committed as ever to this cause.
Let’s build a society of bertolakansur (give-and-take)
In this digital era, where information is shared at the speed of thought, it is all too easy for extremists to spread their messages of fear, hate and intolerance. Nonetheless, our nation was founded on the core values of moderation, acceptance and harmony. These values form the very fabric of our national identity, and I believe that on the whole, Malaysians continue to uphold these ideals.
It is our responsibility to strive for mutual respect and inclusiveness as we work towards achieving developed nation status. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has mentioned, in the international sphere, the Malaysian Government’s approach is based on the Islamic concept of Wasatiyyah. Formed on principles of moderation, balance and fairness, it is this approach that guides us as we work to promote peace, stability and security while combating radicalism in the region.
Even as we enjoy this year’s festivities, we too can also individually seek to embrace moderation and acceptance in our daytoday lives, for the sake of our respective communities.
There is much we will all stand to gain from doing our part to inculcate an attitude of bertolak-ansur within our society.
Lastly, I would like to remind all of the significance of our national anthem – Negaraku. While the lyrics are already ingrained in every Malaysian’s mind, it is crucial for us to also embrace the true meaning behind the anthem.
Enshrined as the national anthem on 31 August 1957, Negaraku is positioned as a means to unite Malaysians from all walks of life. It is also a reminder for all to treasure and protect the land that we were born, raised, lived and eventually, will die in.
My best wishes to my fellow Malaysians who are celebrating this Hari Raya Aidilfitri. May this blessed month bring you joy, good tidings and peace. To all those travelling, please do be careful on the road.
Our nation was founded on the core values of moderation, acceptance and harmony. These values form the very fabric of our national identity.