Racial Harmony 2nd

In the view of the global society, racial harmony is something rarely achievable in a multiracial society. This is usually due to unfairness or unsatisfactory law that isolates the minority. We as a liberal nation have long practiced freedom of speech since 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman that declared Liberty knew that Malaysia is not a country of one race, but of one goal. The goal is to bring the country to a higher level, to progress and to seek the world’s attention as a modern and respective country. Every race plays a part in this. The late president knew every race has its strong points and prefer to work on them rather than our differences.

Being part of a rising nation, one of the contributions to our unity is our celebration of festivities. Malaysians has long been respectful and participative in every celebration. In Malaysia, the Hari Raya is a very grand celebration. Malays will be fasting for the whole month before they celebrates Hari Raya. The rendang, ketupat and traditional curry will be the main menu followed by traditional cakes. On the first day of Hari Raya, they usually invite all their relatives, friends and even neighbours too to their house for lunch. I’m proud to say that this is one of the celebrations that bring all races together to unite despite our races. This event plays a big part in our unity because we learn other culture, tradition and also language.

A friend once told me that there was an old Malay man that stays near by her house. Every Chinese New Year, the old man would look after our house in case of robbery as she and family would be back to their hometown. Her father never forgets to give the old man gifts and oranges in appreciation of his help. She and her family were very grateful to have such an understanding and considerate neighbour. It is rare in other countries to practice this and it is something very precious that money can’t buy.

To achieve peace and racial harmony, we need to tolerate, forgive and understand the other races. A nation without racial harmony will be a tragedy. Thank God for our unity.