Selfless: HELP University volunteers posing for a photo with SJK Tamil Kuang board members. - Photo by Bala Papaiah
More often than not it’s mostly sensational racial and religious issues that make headlines. Seldom do we read of heartwarming news where Malaysians cross the ethnic and religious divide to show care and concern for their fellow Malaysians.
In the 60s, when I was growing up in Cochrane Road, we children of all races and religions went to school together, played games together and enjoyed recreational activities together.
We looked out for one another as friends, neighbours and fellow human beings. Race and religion were never an issue and we mixed very well - there was no need for feel good slogans or campaigns.
No one had to instil a sense of loyalty to the country and a sense of community spirit among the residents in the government quarters where we resided. It was imbued in us by our parents and by our schools.
We celebrated each other’s festivals in merriment and visited each other’s homes to join in the festivities. Sometimes we would spend hours at our friends’ homes just talking. Now, over six decades on, whenever I come across moving stories of unity, it reminds of a time which I still hold dear.
I recently learnt about a heartwarming act showcasing the best of interracial harmony which I’d like to share.
On Oct 19, lecturers, officers, and staff of HELP University participated in a meaningful project at SJK Tamil Kuang in Rawang.
The varsity had taken a significant, and noble step, in supporting the development of this educational institution.
Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including Malay and Chinese lecturers, painted the school’s annexe building, exemplifying a commendable spirit of unity and collaboration.
This initiative, organised in partnership with the Kuang Alumni Association, and supported by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, aimed to create a more inviting and motivating learning environment for the students.
This remarkable initiative underscores the power of community and the belief that positive change is achievable when people from different backgrounds unite for a common cause, Kuang Alumni Association vice-president Sannasi Naidu, rightly pointed out.The spirit of racial and religious harmony provides the impetus for unity. Indeed, understanding and mutual respect between those of different ethnicities and religions are essential for prosperity and economic advancement in plural societies.
Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country where social cohesion is pivotal for the progress of the country.
This harmony does not come naturally - it’s a continuous work-in-progress and it should never be taken for granted by our people.
We need to make the effort to build and cultivate trust and acceptance between different races and religions and to promote each other’s rich cultural heritage.
Diversity, is after all, a source of strength for any country. We can always be proud of our differences while simultaneously celebrating our unity.
It is this potpourri of cultures and traditions that has made Malaysia what it is today.
HELP University’s magnanimous endeavour has set a good example for other tertiary institutions to emulate.
Such self-sacrificing activities go a long way in promoting nation building and towards paving the way to a truly harmonious Malaysia which we can all proudly call home.
Benedict Lopez
KL
