PATRIOTISM is not simply about flying the Jalur Gemilang or celebrating Malaysia Day, but also about rejecting racism and respecting differences that form the foundation of the country’s multiracial society.
Retail sector worker Nur Amanina Mohd Nazar, 29, says good relations among people of different races in everyday life must continue to be upheld, particularly by the younger generation.
She says her experience of working alongside colleagues of different races have shown that cultural diversity does not prevent them from working together and helping one another.
According to Nur Amanina, mutual respect should be prioritised in building a more harmonious society, while rejecting any form of sentiment that could divide the people.
“I feel that we need to completely get rid of this narrative of racism and not allow it to fester,” she says.
Meanwhile, sales sector worker Lee Shaw Woei, 42, says efforts to strengthen unity should focus on the younger generation, who are now deeply immersed in social media.
He says digital platforms should be used to introduce cultures and encourage positive interactions among people of different races, rather than becoming spaces for spreading sentiments that could trigger division.
“Social media is a very important element. We can organise activities or share scenes of harmony, just like in this physical space, where we sit together, have cendol and chat. That is a healthy relationship,” he says.
As Malaysia Day approaches, the views of these two individuals carry a simple yet important message: unity does not begin with grand gestures.
It begins when people choose to get to know, respect and accept one another, rather than be swayed by messages of hatred. — Astro Awani/MIA
