NST,Friday 15 July 2011
Our social progress has not kept pace with economic development
In the pursuit of material possessions and personal enjoyment, the wellbeing of others is given lesser importance.
Emigration and urban migration may be a worldwide phenomenon but it has also rendered many Malaysians not taking ownership of the community they live in
When the neighbourhood deteriorates, they move away to a better one instead of tackling the problem with other residents.
Those with expanding incomes keep moving to newer and bigger houses, much like they change cars. There is little attachment and engagement with the community they live in. Neighbours are but strangers in their midst, within a condominium or down the street.
Sadly, hometowns and kampung are forgotten and left desolate. On the other hand, I am warmed by the efforts of a successful tour operator who conduct meaningful activities for the kampung folk around Segamat – his hometown.
Instead of the usual publicity-seeking corporate social responsibility exercise, he chose personal social responsibility on a low-profile basis but achieved far greater results than many government-organised functions.
What we need are more people like him who are proud of their history and traditions, much like many parts of Europe where people have lived in their ancestral homes for hundreds of years.
There is strong connection to local history, culture, traditions, roots and family name. This core group of locals gives the place its character and soul.
A fine example in Malaysia is the adat perpatih brought over from Minangkabau, Sumatra, and found in Negri Sembilan. Such rich culture, among other virtues, promotes courtesy, which is very much lacking in uprooted societies.
Culture should be the way of life and beyond 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 tourist show held once a year and has no impact at other times.
As such, the 12th Adat Perpatih Festival to be showcased at the Seri Menanti Royal Museum in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilam, tomorrow and Sunday should generate beyond academic interest.
First-hand accounts by model practitioners sharing their personal experiences and insightful essays on how society has benefited would help ensure the perpetuation of adat perpatih for posterity.
For centuries, the royal houses in the peninsula have united the people of various races, religions, languages, cultures and traditions while politicians clamouring for power have succeeded in doing the reverse.
We ought to connect to the past, taking in both the tragedies and the triumphs of our families, our communities and ourselves.
They are very much a part of our life, our soul.
It would be 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 will plan their contributions better for future generations
We can live by default but we need to have soul to get a real life. We should take pride in our roots and carry the torch passed by our ancestors to our descendants
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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