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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright January 2024
From Wooden Stools to Palatial Dreams: Navigating Tun Mahathir's Perception of Loyalty in the Chronicles of Indian Traders in Malaysia.
Tun Mahathir's observations on the loyalty of our Indian-origin fellow Malaysians offer a nostalgic journey through the charming era of Indian traders who were, in a sense, the original doorstep delivery experts—far more reliable than today's Grab or Lalamove.
From the itinerant barber with his wooden stool to the nasi kandar man with baskets on his shoulders, each had a unique charm.
The money lender or the Chettiar, distinguished by his white dhoti and black umbrella, operated on trust without collateral. And let's not forget the intriguing trait of these traders changing personalities every six to 12 months, leaving behind an apprentice who seamlessly continued the tradition.
While the perception then was that these traders might return to India sooner or later, many have indeed made Malaysia their home post-independence.
For instance, there's the scrap metal dealer who built a palace in Tamil Nadu or the Hindu and Sikh neighbours seeking spiritual journeys to India—these stories highlight a diverse tapestry of lives intertwining between two lands.
So, as we humorously reflect on Tun Mahathir's sentiments, perhaps it is time that he retires the notion that our Indian-origin neighbours are merely passing through.
They are here to stay like other itinerant traders who have started their own families and businesses in Malaysia. They, too, have deep roots in Malaysia as much as Tun Mahathir's late father. Loyalty should not be questioned.
Yet, we cannot ignore the perception ingrained in Mahathir's mind because he grew up at a time when most Indian-origin fellow Malaysians were just passing through.
In conclusion, in the evolution of a nation, perceptions can be as transient as the traders themselves, and today's Malaysia stands testament to the enduring commitment of its diverse citizens.
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