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Malaysian Mindsets
11 February 2007I had always thought that education will make a person more open minded, make him more receptive to new ideas and more accommodating to people who are different. I had always thought that the solution to the racial problems we have, is first and foremost, education. I admit (once again) to being naive.
I look at some people around me, I’m aware that these people will be the leaders of tomorrow, and I know, better than ever, why Malaysian students don’t go home after graduation. I realise why some of us would rather look for a job in a foreign land than go back.
Not too long ago, a few of us were talking about a Malaysian issue in Belfast, and I was told, “It is a problem, but how is it a problem for you? It has been around for such a long time, there is no solution. Leave it to the next generation, they will sort it out.”
And I realise that while immaturity play a huge role in the problem at hand, the attitude of fellow Malaysian young adults is also a major culprit.
I’m tired. I want to take the easier way out. I don’t see how anyone can make a difference to this at all… especially alone.
on February 12th, 2007 at 9:06 am
heh. patriotic eh somebody?
=) i’ll be back for good by march. when’s ya hols?
n HEY! we can mk a difference! with u and me back in msia,we’ll mk the place prettier ;)
Cheers!
Ling
on February 12th, 2007 at 9:11 am
“cos i’m leaving on the jet plane i dunno when I’ll be back again…”
this’s the sSng of the Moment.
And i’m refusing to leave the comp lab (it’s part of my whole holy plan of procrastination)
=)
again,
Ling
on February 12th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Ling: LOL yeah, we will, we will. Eh, come to UK… NOWNOWNOW!!!
on February 12th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
If you dun feel like re-shaping malaysia, how bout help me with indon.. well, at least as long as i’m holding the citizenship, that is.. hehehe…
on March 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
YP,
This is call “Being President of MSSNI” Syndrome.
Long time ago… I had the dream to make a difference… Dream that there will be a Malaysia that all Malaysian will be proud of.
Then I took the Presidency of MSSNI.
I see fragmentation of Malaysians… break into groups, usually along racial line. A group of TARcian (mostly Chinese students doing master in Engineering) rather join the Taiwanese for CNY celebration then coming to MSSNI CNY and Hari Raya celebration. I am not sure why…
Then a group of Malay students, led by the Islamic group (which is now believe to have gone underground), boycotted the Deepavali Celebration. Giving the reason that it is a religious celebration and thus they will not be attending. So much of a Muhibah spirit.
The final saga came during preparation for Malaysian Nite. The Islamic group (who are mostly Malaysian), insisted that
1.No female to be on stage
2.No female voice to be heard over PA system
3.No mix seating (ie guys and girls on different tables).
4.No alcohol during the event
5.No sponsorship money from non-halal source to be used for the event.
They claim that if we do not follow the above rules, we are not running the event by the Malaysian’s way.
MSSNI and the Islamic group sat down and had a dialog. I put to them that MSSNI is a body representing all Malaysians and not only the Muslim. And the committee run the society free from any influence by any other organizations. We respect the proposal that they put forward, and we will facilitated as much as possible to make it comfortable and acceptable to all Malaysians to attend.
1.All food served was halal
2.no alcohol during the main event. But there is a after party.
3.NO sponsorship from non-halal source was used for the main event.
4.Seating can be requested.
5.It is not up to MSSNI to advice Muslim girls not be seen on stage.
We did our best to accommodate everybody. But end result is that the Islamic group boycotted the event, after we put in much effort to accommodate some of the request. However, we did have the support of a few Malay friends despite the pressure that the Islamic society put on them.
The polarization of Malaysians was well evidenced among the Malaysian students. I tried and fail to bring all the Malaysian students together. Few years on, YP I hope you do a better job.
on March 1st, 2007 at 8:22 pm
No one’s gone underground, I think. But this discussion shouldn’t be done in public I guess… continue in private if we’ve got an opportunity lah.