It's been awhile since I last wrote and let us start with the topic 1Malaysia. Since many ads will say 'including' Sabah and Sarawak, let us (and in us i mean me) assume that the concept is actually 1Malaysia for people in the Peninsular Malaysia. DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I am all for the concept, but here in Sarawak, this concept is a given, we never advertise or talk about it but everyone knows how to live peacefully and in harmony.
Given that there are only three majority ethnic group in West Malaysia, one would be forgiven to think that it is easier for racial integration to happen over there, BUT unfortunately tales of racial segregation does exist. A friend of mine, a Malay who studied there was given the look for participating in a Chinese study group and another friend of mine, this time a Chinese said she cried because this thing did happen. that just shows how much of a challenge to actually make 1Malaysia successful.
Coming from our Prime Minister, it is a commendable effort coming from his part to unite all the citizens under one roof regardless of their races. But this issue has to be tackled from the grass root. Tolerance is the key here. For the uninitiated to the idea, take a look at Sarawak, how we live together and tolerate each other. Mix marriage has been a norm that is it actually uncommon to find a pure blooded Malay. In my opinion, mix marriage is one of the peak of tolerance that we can achieve in living in a multi racial community, the other being open and rational in discussing matters pertaining to faith. Take the issue of the usage of the word 'Allah' in the Malay version of Bible. In Sarawak, this was not even an issue. Saying this over there though, I might be seen as one who is less of faith. Regarding this issue, if using it makes a Christian brother closer to my God, then why not? and hopefully one day Allah will show the path to him. Now, the idea of burning Malay Bible by PERKASA is one stupid idea, if the burning of our Holy Scriptures, the Quran is an unforgivable act, then doesn't the burning of other faith's holy scripture means exactly the same thing? saying that Bible written in Malay language will be misleading to us. I appreciate the sentiment but if the youth gets mislead, its their own fault for being ignorant, not the fault of others' holy scripture. If only they knew that there are Bibles written in the same language as the Holy Quran (yes, in Arabic). What would they have to say about it?(facepalm moment)
One, whether a Muslim or a Christian should think before carrying out an act or making remarks that is offensive to each other. speaking on behalf of other Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologize on the narrow mindedness of some of us in the way they act regarding this issue.
p.s sorry for the english...peace and assalam
