Walking to uphold spirit of unity
Veteran journos join event in support of promoting racial harmony
PETALING Mud bathing, swimming in the kampung river and watching traditional Chinese and Malay operas with friends of different races and backgrounds were the greatest highlights of journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar’s childhood – something he cherishes and holds on to till today.
Growing up in Sungai Balang, Muar, the veteran journalist said his childhood friends were mostly Chinese with whom he still keeps in touch via a WhatsApp chat group.
“We berkubang (played in the mud) together, we swam in the river together. I watched Chinese opera with them, and they joined me for our ‘bangsawan’ (traditional Malay theatre).
“The only time we parted ways was when we headed back to our own homes,” he recalled.
Johan, who is a columnist for The Star, is a firm believer of unity and believes there is no other way to do it in a multracial country.
“One principle I hold close to heart is definitely unity and it has been reflected in my writings for many years. It is also the same value I inculcate in my five children.
“I always teach them to work with others and to embrace the spirit of oneness,” he said.
His belief in unity has now been translated to action when he signed up for the Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016.
He said the walk was special as it was able to assemble people of various races in one setting.
“The symbolism matters to me, that we are able to walk together, move forward with confidence and at the same time move together as a nation,” he said.
For fellow journalist Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, who was raised in Sarawak, racism almost did not exist in his vocabulary while he was growing up.
“There are a lot of things that can be learnt from Sabah and Sarawak. There is complete racial harmony and unity and they do not quarrel there,” said the Bernama chairman.
Azman pointed out that Malays in Sarawak are the minority and they were accepting of other races such as Dayaks, Ibans and Chinese.
“People should look at the bigger picture and not be so narrow minded.
“This sort of view can set the country back,” he added.
He said intermarriages are very much “part and parcel” in Sarawak society as well as his own family.
“My parents have 10 children and many of my siblings have intermarried. We have multi-cultural celebrations when it comes to festivities like Hari Raya and Christmas,” he added.
Azman said he supported AnakAnak Malaysia Walk 2016 as a way for Malaysians to unite.
Divisiveness, he said, happens when Malaysians politicise everything under the sun.
“There’s a lot we can do in this country if we spend less time quarreling,” he said.
The Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016, to be held ahead of the National Day celebrations, will kick off at the Bukit Bintang City Centre on Aug 14.
The 3.4km walk, starting from the junction of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu at the site of the former Pudu Jail, will be flagged off by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz.
#AnakAnakMalaysia Walk is organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Ecoworld.
Other sponsors for the event include Car Sponsor: Proton, Gold Sponsor: Panasonic and Silver Sponsors: Tenaga Nasional and YES.
For more information, contact 03-7967 1388, ext 1432/1529/1243 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).