Celebrating Malaysia’s differences

AS Malaysia celebrated its 63rd National Day last week, educationist Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing (pic) reflected on his love for the nation.

Born before the nation attained independence, the founder and president of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology believes that beyond the differences we share, it is the mutual respect that makes Malaysia unique.

Describing Malaysia as a painting and its citizens as its artists, Lim said the diversity of Malaysia’s society should be celebrated and not be a point of contention.

“As a Malaysian of Chinese descent, I am proud that I was born in this country.

“Its diverse cultures and races add more colour to our unity and patriotic spirit.

“Regardless of our race or faith, loyalty to our King and nation binds us as one,” he said, attributing his love for Malaysia as the secret behind his successful career in the field of education.

Lim is among the many Malaysians who changed the country’s education landscape with his creative, innovative, analytical and strategic thinking.

He organised programmes and campaigns to foster unity and nation-building.

Established 29 years ago, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, which has campuses in African nations, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Indonesia and China, has played a significant role in promoting Malaysia’s uniqueness.

“Our distinctiveness cannot be found in other countries and we have been promoting this through our Limkokwing Cultural Festival, United Malaysia and Malaysia Boleh campaigns.

“It is something that our nation must maintain for future generations,” he said in a press release.

He urged Malaysians to appreciate the nation’s independence and be thankful for the shared unity and togetherness.

Its existence is a reflection of the harmonious relationship the country’s multiracial communities share, he said, adding that history education is a vital tool to further forge unity to build an integrated and independent society.

“Since independence, Malaysia has had far-sighted leaders who drafted programmes to unify people of various ethnicities.

“There have been conflicts but as a nation, we’ve remained strong. This is due to racial tolerance, which enables us to move freely without any fear or prejudice,” he added.

While nation-building is a long process, Lim said more can be done to amp up Malaysia’s existing unity factor to withstand pressure and challenges, without easily succumbing to “the agenda of certain quarters who wish to see disunity”.