Ethnic Relations in Malaysia (Kompilasi Esei Berbaur akademik)

I read Sabah’s Way is a Celebration of Difference in NST lastweek (13/8/2005) which reminds me much of my family. As a product of a mixed marriage Bajau-Dusun parents, story like this represent the way of life many families (if not all) in Sabah. This explained why there were many faces of Sabahan. Not only we have various suku kaum here, the mixed marriage factor also contributed to the Sinos (Kadazan/Dusun + Bajau + Brunei + Rungus + Suluk + Bugis etc). This asnwer the question of my semenanjungians fellow friends on the variety looks of our AF artists- Adam the Bajau, Felix, Marsha, Linda the Dusuns, Haider the Suluk, Mas & Yazer (not sure) maybe Bugis and Tidong. Their thick accent marked their appearance as truly Sabahan. Definitely a lot of choice here..mari-mari come to Sabah. But be prepared before you said Mahal Na Mahal Kita (I love you) to Sabahan lady. The hantaran is quite Mahal also!

Ok. back to social tolerance!
We Malaysian were advised by the politicians and ministers up there to create social tolerance. Aisehman..We cannot simply acknowledged the existence of social tolerance after being told to do so. Although we are living our life in reality, this is not a reality TV show that we can simply vote and SMSing in order to create social tolerance. Damm for those who thinks social tolerance can be simply achieved through 3 credit hours course in the Uni or like buying Yong Taufu from pasar malam. Social tolerance is a life long effort and it should begins from the micro level - yes….the root for social tolerance is the family institution. Parents should teach their children (from the early stage) to respect others regardless of race or religion. Parents, this is your responsibility, dont burden this to teachers only!

I strongly believed that parents play an important role in educating our young padawan about social tolerance. And as see it now, my parents had an excellence job in teaching their 12 children the value of harmony in a mixed marriage family. I shall pass this valuable lessons to the next generation of my young padawan for them to pass it to their next padawan generation…and so forth.

Maybe on one fine day we all can proudly announce that we are Bangsa Malaysia, no more Malay, Chinese or Indians! The main issue however, are we willing and ready to be a truly Bangsa Malaysia?