There is a family of 5 (Parent plus 3 children) staying in my neighbourhood. I always enjoy talking to those little ones whom they'd called me Uncle McDonald as I always bring them the Free toys that came together whenever I had a McDonald Happy Meals.
I met the youngest of the boys named WAN at the lift lobby last Monday night, I turned to this little boy and said: “Selamat Hari Raya.” 
That little boy smiled at me and said: “Happy Deepavali to you, too.”
It was so sweet and polite of him to return my wishes. But there was just one little “problem” and I do not think any part of me looks like one that celebrate Deepavali at all.
However, instead of correcting him, I decided to just let it be. In fact, I wished that he, and all our children, would remain colour blind on ethnicity.
It was like a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the recent controversies pertaining to the Malays not given enough opportunities in Penang, the Chinese being marginalised in Malaysia and the argument on bumiputra equity in the country.
I look forward to the day when we can all fight for the interest of our nation instead of the interest of our own community, work harder on increasing the size of our economic cake instead of fighting for a bigger share of the same old cake.
I look forward to the day when the first chapter of our Year One text book tells our children that we are all Malaysians instead of over-emphasising Orang Melayu, Cina, India dan lain lain.
That little boy smiled at me and said: “Happy Deepavali to you, too.”
It was so sweet and polite of him to return my wishes. But there was just one little “problem” and I do not think any part of me looks like one that celebrate Deepavali at all.
However, instead of correcting him, I decided to just let it be. In fact, I wished that he, and all our children, would remain colour blind on ethnicity.
It was like a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the recent controversies pertaining to the Malays not given enough opportunities in Penang, the Chinese being marginalised in Malaysia and the argument on bumiputra equity in the country.
I look forward to the day when we can all fight for the interest of our nation instead of the interest of our own community, work harder on increasing the size of our economic cake instead of fighting for a bigger share of the same old cake.
I look forward to the day when the first chapter of our Year One text book tells our children that we are all Malaysians instead of over-emphasising Orang Melayu, Cina, India dan lain lain.
Am I being too idealistic and naïve living in a land of UTOPIA?
I'm a firm believer of those who love this country do share my wish and vision.
If you do, let's begin with our children (Though I may not have one). BE sure they remain colour blind to our ethnic origins. Meanwhile, I wish all Malaysians “Selamat Hari Raya and Happy Deepavali”
I'm a firm believer of those who love this country do share my wish and vision.
If you do, let's begin with our children (Though I may not have one). BE sure they remain colour blind to our ethnic origins. Meanwhile, I wish all Malaysians “Selamat Hari Raya and Happy Deepavali”
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