Take pride in our roots

TMM,Tuesday, 12 July 2011 

 

People are naturally proud of their race, religion, language, culture and traditions but some sources of pride can be hollow. 

For example, those who accord great importance to their race may not be able to trace their roots. Race, as stated in our identity card, do not necessarily denote a person’s parentage. 

By definition, a Malay is a Muslim who speaks Malay and practises Malay customs. 

However, many are of mixed parentage and their parents are testimony that race was never an issue. 

It is more meaningful to trace ancestral lines and ponder over the trials and tribulations of past generations. 

When the descendants are respectful of their ancestors, they would plan their contributions for future generations. 

Unfortunately, our social progress has not kept pace with economic development where well-being of others is given lesser importance than the pursuit of material possession. 

Emigration and urbane migration may be a worldwide phenomena but cause many Malaysians to not take ownership of their community. 

When the neighbourhood deteriorates, many move away to a better one instead of tackling the problem. 

There is little attachment with the community they live in and neighbours are strangers. 

Sadly, some hometowns and villages are forgotten. 

What we need is to have more people who are proud of their history and traditions, much like in many parts of Europe where there is strong connection to local history, culture, traditions, roots and family name. 

Culture should be the way of life and beyond merely performing cultural dances. 

The Citrawarna or the Colours of Malaysia festival may be impressive with thousands of dancers performing in colourful traditional costumes but it is just a show for tourists held once a year and has no impact at other times. 

A fine example in Malaysia is the adat perpatih brought over from Minangkabau, Sumatra, and found in Negri Sembilan. 

Such rich cultures, among other virtues, promote courtesy, which is very much lacking in uprooted societies of today. 

For centuries, the royal houses in this peninsula have united people of various races, religions, languages, cultures and traditions. 

That is, until politicians clamouring for power succeeded in doing otherwise. 

We ought to connect to the past, taking in both the tragedies and the triumphs, of our families, our communities and ourselves. 

We ought to take pride of our roots and carry the torch passed by our ancestors to our descendants. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur