Source: https://chinesenewyear2018.com
Just few weeks from now, Chinese New Year will be celebrated all over the world and in Malaysia, this particular holiday doesn't confined to chinese people only. Malaysia is a rare proof of multiracial success, and although the stability between races has been put to test on multiple occasions, we recognized our own cultural diversity and united especially during cultural celebration. Living in Malaysia, we've a lot of opportunities to learn about other cultures which can be adopted whenever beneficial. This includes traditions, customs, festivals and languages which make the country more lively and colorful compared to others. Briani, farata, dhal puri is no longer exclusively eaten by Indian people and there are some chinese people who loves nasi lemak and ketupat more than any other foods.
Source: http://d36nil1vgjmyrt.cloudfront.net
Living in a multiracial country will teach you how to respect other's culture and sensitivity. If you have the opportunity to visit Malaysia during any festival, you will realize that, malay people will not serve any beef related dishes to an indian and chinese will not serve any pork related dishes to a malay. Some of my chinese and indian friends will not eat in front of me during Ramadhan (fasting month) and there some who fasted with me to show some support and encouragement. There are a story of a muslim cashier working in a supermarket, fasting for 13 hours but because of lots of customers lining up to pay, she cannot break fast (not to be confused with breakfast) so she kept on working until a chinese uncle stops her, gives her some biscuits and ask the permission from the customers currently lining up for her to eat before continuing working. This signify tolerance and empathy among races which understood the culture of others.
Source: https://mthago.wordpress.com/
Looking into all kind of issues in the social media nowadays which highlight multiple actions which ultimately lead to racism, it's surprising to see how well we can unite with the other races during national festivals. Tolerance is an important things and without it we will crumble and push towards internal conflicts and lives in fear of other races. I pray Malaysia will continue to grow and united. Put aside all of the differences and and lets be united under the same banner of a great nation.
The decoration for chinese new year in shopping mall is still in progress
