Many talks about the problems in the beloved country, but what are the authorities doing about it ?
Engaging in Integration
Chong Wai Leng
The recent relevation of a university guidebook that was said to have contained strong and controversial views on ethnic issues instead of presenting history according to facts caused an uproar nationwide. This is followed by a Cabinet decision to withdraw the said book and a replacement book that would be drawn up by a panel of historians be made as soon as possible. This brings us to the question: Why in the first place, did the relevant authorities not put this in place especially when sensitive racial issues are involved? It seems that this is the usual Malaysian way of doing things - do first, without much thought, and then retract them when there are objections to it.
It is not a comforting thought that despite our 50 years of independence from the British rule, we are still sitting rather precariously on a racial fence that could fall any moment when undesired weight is put on either side. So everyone has to be mindful at all times to keep the fence in perfect balance. Is this a natural thing to do, I wonder? Naturally eveyone has to be mindful about our speech and conduct and not to cause hurt to others. On the social level, this means common courtesy and respect for one another irrespective of race or religion. On the academic front, writers of textbooks need to be unbiased in their writing and presentation of history and culture so that our students are not adversely influenced by narrow-mindedness and prejudices.
On schooling, concrete measures are needed to blend the racial mixture of our schools so that racial segregation is not so widely practised. Sports is a good way to foster goodwill and healthy competition. Our schools need to de-emphasize studying and homework and put back the healthy balance of sports, music and drama and other extra curricular activities. Otherwise our students would be studying about such issues in books rather than living it in their lives. They would be learning that once upon a time, Malaysian schools had a healthy mix of Malays, Chinese and Indians, and others, other than the Chinese and Tamil schools. It was the same at the workplace in the government departments. However, things seemed to have changed over the years resulting in a distinct split in the choice of schools and workplace one might choose. Even housing areas can be racially distinct.
If the government does not rectify this problem on a long-term basis, our kids would grow up knowling very little about their fellow Malaysians. This younger generation is not known for their tolerance and patience because of the good life they have. But well, that is another story .... Personally, I feel that if children are taught to respect every person and living being without prejudice, then much of the battle is won. To do this, parents and teachers need to show by example and not pass own their own racial prejudices to the students. The government must be seen to be fair and equal to every citizen of the country and not be seen as leaning towards one side or practising discrimination at school or at work. There is a whole lot of education and re-education involved. Good universal values should be adopted and propagated nationwide. When there is genuine love and respect for one another as citizens of Malaysia, good things would come out from this endeavour. And that's when everyone of us would be proud to be Malaysians because being Malaysian means that everyone has equal rights and opportunities to lead happy and meaningful lives.
Composed: 07/31/2006 Modified: 07/31/2006
Engaging in Integration
Chong Wai Leng
The recent relevation of a university guidebook that was said to have contained strong and controversial views on ethnic issues instead of presenting history according to facts caused an uproar nationwide. This is followed by a Cabinet decision to withdraw the said book and a replacement book that would be drawn up by a panel of historians be made as soon as possible. This brings us to the question: Why in the first place, did the relevant authorities not put this in place especially when sensitive racial issues are involved? It seems that this is the usual Malaysian way of doing things - do first, without much thought, and then retract them when there are objections to it.
It is not a comforting thought that despite our 50 years of independence from the British rule, we are still sitting rather precariously on a racial fence that could fall any moment when undesired weight is put on either side. So everyone has to be mindful at all times to keep the fence in perfect balance. Is this a natural thing to do, I wonder? Naturally eveyone has to be mindful about our speech and conduct and not to cause hurt to others. On the social level, this means common courtesy and respect for one another irrespective of race or religion. On the academic front, writers of textbooks need to be unbiased in their writing and presentation of history and culture so that our students are not adversely influenced by narrow-mindedness and prejudices.
On schooling, concrete measures are needed to blend the racial mixture of our schools so that racial segregation is not so widely practised. Sports is a good way to foster goodwill and healthy competition. Our schools need to de-emphasize studying and homework and put back the healthy balance of sports, music and drama and other extra curricular activities. Otherwise our students would be studying about such issues in books rather than living it in their lives. They would be learning that once upon a time, Malaysian schools had a healthy mix of Malays, Chinese and Indians, and others, other than the Chinese and Tamil schools. It was the same at the workplace in the government departments. However, things seemed to have changed over the years resulting in a distinct split in the choice of schools and workplace one might choose. Even housing areas can be racially distinct.
If the government does not rectify this problem on a long-term basis, our kids would grow up knowling very little about their fellow Malaysians. This younger generation is not known for their tolerance and patience because of the good life they have. But well, that is another story .... Personally, I feel that if children are taught to respect every person and living being without prejudice, then much of the battle is won. To do this, parents and teachers need to show by example and not pass own their own racial prejudices to the students. The government must be seen to be fair and equal to every citizen of the country and not be seen as leaning towards one side or practising discrimination at school or at work. There is a whole lot of education and re-education involved. Good universal values should be adopted and propagated nationwide. When there is genuine love and respect for one another as citizens of Malaysia, good things would come out from this endeavour. And that's when everyone of us would be proud to be Malaysians because being Malaysian means that everyone has equal rights and opportunities to lead happy and meaningful lives.
Composed: 07/31/2006 Modified: 07/31/2006
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