Bukan Budaya Kita

What is our Malaysian culture? As Malaysia is a multi-racial country, we can see many different cultures in our country. For example, the Malays will be fasting for a period of time for a month before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Chinese use chopstick to eat and the Indians paint henna for special occasions like holidays, birthdays and weddings. In fact, although we (Malaysians) are of different races and religion, we do not just practise our own culture only. In this modern era, I see Chinese girls painting henna on their hands too! 

Henna

If we don't talk about cultural and religious practice, we Malaysians have our own Malaysian culture too. For example, regardless what race and religion we are, we speak "Bahasa Rojak" in our daily casual conversation. In Malaysia nowadays, in just one sentence, we will have a mixture of languages sometimes such as Bahasa Melayu, English, Mandarin, Tamil, Cantonese and Hokkien. This is our unique Malaysian culture that cannot be found in any other country. This also shows that we can live and mix well with our friends who are of different races from us. 



However, based on the National Cultural Policy (NCP) that was formed in 1971, there are 3 principles as the guidelines for national culture:

1. The national culture must be based on the indigenous culture (Malay).
2. Other cultures which have suitable elements may be accepted as the part of the national culture.
3. Islam is an important component and also the model of the national culture.

In my opinion, I think it is very unfair for the Malaysians. As I mentioned earlier, Malaysia is a multi-racial country. We should not just focus on only one race or religion. If we only focus on one race or religion, riot among races will happen again. Why would we want wars and riots in our country? Can't we just live peacefully as MALAYSIANS in our country? Isn't it good if all races practise the same MALAYSIAN CULTURES in our own country? Therefore in conclusion, I wish that no matter what race we are, we are MALAYSIANS. Everyone has the equal rights as a MALAYSIAN. Isn't it wonderful and heart-warming to see us Malaysians (including all races) being friends together sincerely and helping each other in our daily life? :D

Malaysia Boleh!