Sad reflection of immaturity
THE French will have fond memories of the summer of 2018 as their country not only won the FIFA World Cup but also joined the elite group of nations who have won this international football tournament more than once.
France defeated Croatia, a country which was not even in existence when this tournament was started in 1930. In addition, a French player was among the youngest goal scorers in the tournament’s history.
Germany, however, had a humiliating exit in the group stage; it was something that had never occurred in the last 80 years.
The uniqueness of these teams is that they largely comprised players who are descendants of immigrants. Some Malaysians will better understand this phenomenon if the term pendatang is used.
While the tournament did not have the negativity of wild bone-crunching tackles or “diving” tactics, it did unearth some disturbing thoughts off the pitch.
Germany’s early exit had its impact on its players. Two, of Turkish descent, faced criticism and backlash and it was all because they had been photographed with the Turkish President prior to the tournament. Racist criticism reared its ugly head and their loyalty was questioned. It led to one of them lamenting that, for certain elements of society, “when we win, I am German, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”
This is the reality of life for Turkish migrants who came to Germany after the Second World War to help rebuild the country. Only in 1995 were the laws changed for the Turks and others to acquire equal rights to German citizenship.
Malaysian Chinese and Indians can identify with these circumstances. Both contributed to the progress of Malaysia in the economic sector and public service, and many gave up their lives during the ugly Emergency years to defend the nation against communist infiltration.
This contribution must never be forgotten, notwithstanding the irresponsible and racist behaviour of certain misguided historians who have systematically downplayed the contributions of these and other races.
This has led to some misguided and ill-educated elements of Malaysian society using what is termed derogatory terminology like pendatang on fellow citizens who have earned the right of abode in this country.
After all, aren’t we all Malaysians when we excel in international sporting events, win international awards for ground-breaking scientific and/or other awards including outstanding academic excellence?
Recently, federal minister M. Kulasegaran was engulfed in controversy after he was accused of inferring to Malays as pendatang. The issue is obviously being exploited by parties with vested interests but the unfortunate episode reflects the shallowness and immaturity of our mindset and reeks both of racial and religious insensitivities when words are taken out of context.
It is pointless to focus on and get riled up over which racial or religious group preceded each other on the face of the world or even the Malay Archipelago 2,500 years ago.
It is in this context that the new Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department has announced the tabling of three Bills aimed at curbing racial and religious hatred and “preserving harmony and unity” in the country.
It is sad that after 61 years of independence, we need such laws because it reflects that we have not grown mentally as a nation embracing diversity.
A sore thumb continues to be the existence of a preacher with permanent resident status known for his controversial and often belligerent views on religion. He is the epitome of religious bigotry and intolerance, which has no place in a richly diverse country like Malaysia. The irony is that his own country has levelled charges against him.
On all matters, let common sense and intelligence prevail so that we can be respected both on the domestic and international arenas as a nation with a conscience.