BATU KAWAN: Scout S. Tasshvinn says he felt welcomed during his trip to India, but the experience made him appreciate what he had back home even more.
In Malaysia, he said, hearing different languages and dialects in everyday life and enjoying food from different cultures are things he has grown to value.
“Here, we speak different languages and dialects, and we get to share our food and experiences.
“We can enjoy dishes from different cultures, such as nasi lemak, roti canai and char kuey teow,” he said when met at the 15th Malaysian Scouts Jamboree at Penang State Stadium, Batu Kawan, on Saturday.
The Jamboree, themed “Tracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future” with the sub-theme “60 Years of Uniting the Spirit of Scouting”, brought together 6,178 scouts, including volunteers and international participants from 11 countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Korea and Singapore.
It runs from Aug 29 to Sept 4.
“We Malaysians have the best of both worlds. While we celebrate our culture and background, we have the privilege of embracing other festivities too.
“Our colour and background do not matter. We just want to have a great time and support each other,” Tasshvinn said.
For Brayden Oon, 14, the country’s diversity is one of the things he appreciates most about being Malaysian.
“As a Chinese, it is nice to be able to celebrate Deepavali and Hari Raya with my friends of other races.
“I get to visit them and join in on their celebrations,” he said, adding that celebrating National Day with his fellow scouts added to the spirit of togetherness.
G. Tharsan, 15, is also looking forward to marking National Day with his “scout family”.
“As a Malaysian, our National Day is special and important.
“From a young age, we have been taught to respect each other regardless of race, religion or background.
Mohamad Izz Elman Harris Mohamad Ridzuan, 12, said being part of a multicultural country was the first thing that came to mind when he thought of Malaysia.
“We are lucky that we can celebrate each other’s festivals.
“Every year, I look forward to Deepavali and Chinese New Year as much as Hari Raya,” he said.
Mohamad Izz Elman Harris said this year’s National Day celebration would be extra special as he will be celebrating it with his fellow scouts.
