Food, sports and celebrations are the ties that bind


Proud Malaysians: (From left) Nurfatyha, Venishaa, Mukmin, Kwong, Choong, Nurul Aina, Nurul Izzati and Shuhaidah. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Put differences aside and come together to celebrate our diverse cultures and traditions to preserve the country’s unity, say young Malaysians. Entrepreneur Nurfatyha Farhana, 24, said Malaysians should continue to embrace the diversity that the country is blessed with.

“The fact that we share a lot of common things such as sports, food and celebrations – including the National Day – is what unites us all.

“As Malaysians, we should stick together and I hope the new generation will continue to enliven our diversity,” she added.

Student Larra Venishaa, 18, said the diversity of Malaysian culture and food is what makes her love the country the most.

She is hopeful that Malaysians, regardless of backgrounds, will come together amid challenges.

“To all the Malaysians, don’t bother about race because we are all one Malaysia, we are all family. Malaysia Boleh!”

Musician Mukmin Hamdan hopes for Malaysians to continue staying united for the future.

“Everything brings us together, from sports to our love of food.

“We also need to continue being tolerant of different races and cultures.

“I also hope that our various cultures can be further promoted abroad as they symbolise our diverse yet united front,” said the 40-year-old.

May Kwong said Malaysian unity has come a “long way”.

“We’re all working together towards the same goal and to be one as Malaysians.

“We’re all here to celebrate this weekend... all races, traditions together,” said Kwong, who organised the Pasar Merdeka Hitam Putih Festival at Central Market here.

Freelancer Choong Lihva, 31, said Malaysians are able to put aside their differences and live under one roof for the country.

“We’re all friendly and even share the holidays together!

“We work well together, regardless of our skin colour,” she said.

Executive Nurul Aina Amiela said Malaysia’s diverse population is indeed one of its unique values.

“In Malaysia, we do not just have the Malays, Chinese and Indians, there are also the diverse ethnic groups from Sabah and Sarawak with each having its own culture.

“I hope we continue staying united as this is our strength,” said the 24-year-old.

Nurul Izzati Ahmad Roslan and Shuhaidah Ainaa, both 24, described Malaysia’s food as a uniting point for its people.

“There are so many foods that each race enjoys. Take roti canai for example, every Malaysian loves it!” said Nurul Izzati.

“Food itself brings us together,” agreed Shuhaidah.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Flood situation worsens in northern Sabah as evacuees rise to 4,761
TB outbreak: Johor Ramadan bazaar SOPs unchanged, says exco rep
Bersatu crisis: Raub, Lipis divisions dissolved today
Smooth traffic reported on several main highways as at 9.40pm
Health Ministry accelerates efforts to strengthen food safety control to achieve target by 2030
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan express sadness, sympathy at Trooper Indiran's death
Perak urges use of reusable bags ahead of ban on single-use plastics
Ramadan bazaars: A beloved annual tradition for Malaysians
Bersatu appoints new task force to restructure divisions, wings
Madani govt component parties must strengthen cohesion to realise people's mandate, says Zaliha

Others Also Read