M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor, and author
#MalaysiaKita2024 Was it politicians? or Political parties for 61 years divided Malaysians? To reverse this, we are talking about unity in #Malaysiakita2024.
Malaysia must learn to live in harmony and celebrate the richness of our multi-racial society. I missed the Malaysian food, culture and the intermingling of all the races while studying in the United States from 1979 to 1983 while studying in the United States.
As a leader of international students, I believe we are ONE big united Malaysia. Studying at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Malaysia was special to me, but I missed Malaysia. We are one human race—Malaysians. Staying in Malaysia we take things for granted. Only when we move to another country, do we notice the racism there. As Malaysians, for unity, we must move away from racist ideas or practices.
As I explore our history, Malaysia, in the 1960s, and 70s, Malays, Chinese, Indians and others visited each other freely. We are warmly welcomed by all races. Malaysia’s open houses are unique to us, and foreigners are surprised at how we live in harmony, peace and unity. #Malaysiakita is a place where I can explore the historical landmarks and taste the various ethnic cuisines.
In open houses, we mix freely with other races. Isolating ourselves for fear or jealousy will not help Malaysia or the world grow. We need to care, share and love others to unify the nation. Perhaps, in the rat race, we have forgotten how to enjoy the company of others. The warmth and joy of sharing and caring make life worth living.
Racism begins with ideas. It ends with violence. See what is happening in the UK, US and other hotbeds of racial tensions around the world. Do we need preachers to sow seeds of hatred? For Malaysia to march forward, we should focus on what unites us. Race and religious sentiments will divide us.
Politicking and bickering on race and religion will not unite us. We should avoid pulling Malaysia backwards, which is counterproductive. Malaysia has to grow to be a nation politically mature to discuss and debate matters that unite us in a civilized manner.
Let’s celebrate lovingly with our neighbours and community who will bring positive results. Go back to every family to bring up their children with love and joy, so they grow to be strong and confident individuals.
I feel that we must give unconditional love, and love would be returned in many folds. If you don’t like a person and think it’s going to hurt one another, try not to hate the person. When a pathology or disease of hatred is spread around the nation, it puts our lives at risk.
Just move away when interactions become tense. If you do not move away, you may become a victim of emotional abuse. Wake up to the dawn of day and spread the love. Giving and receiving love is the real secret to HAPPINESS.
I gained a wealth of experience as president of the International Student's Association at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Most of my extra-curricular activities involved working closely with students from 85 countries, American student leaders and faculty members.
I also coordinated activities with community leaders like the mayor, chief police officers, Congressmen and Senators to lobby for support for international students' causes like reducing fees and finding American homes for international student exchange programmes.
What #Malaysiakita in 2024 has not changed and still keeps picking on racial and religious issues? Stop politicising race and religious issues!
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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