I do identify
myself as a Malaysian, I mean this is undeniable. It is not only that I was
born in Malaysia and also I have been living here for the past 20 years. I have
all my good memories here since I was born. I own a Malaysian identity card and people that I love which are my family and my friends are all here.
Even though I’m a Chinese but I am also a Malaysian.
As a typical Malaysian,
I used to express my words with la lo leh behind the sentences. I can speak
several languages, including Chinese, English and Malay but I am a
master of none. Sometimes, I even mix up the languages I know altogether like
other Malaysians do.
Moreover, I know all our
prime ministers’ names but not the names of our Sultans. Next, I know how
to sing our national song, Negaraku and I also know Rukun Negara. Instead of
saying I love Malaysia, I think I’ll say I love Malaysian food more such as
asam laksa, bah kut teh, nasi lemak, satay, kuih-muih and so on. The way of
thinking and my living style are also affected by the various cultures in
Malaysia. I have learnt to eat spicy food from my Malay friends as well as
Indian friends and I love it.
In
addition, as a Malaysian, I learn to accept, respect and learn other’s culture. The variety of cultures makes Malaysia a special country and I am proud of it. By the way, there are quite a lot of holidays in Malaysia because of different ethnic groups’ celebrations and festivals, that is one of the reasons that I am glad to be Malaysian.
Lastly, does it matter? I think it matters because
it will feel like I don’t have an identity if I don’t recognise myself as a Malaysian.
Besides, it will be like I’m lying to myself if I say that I’m not a Malaysian.
Thank you for
reading :)
What about expatriates? Those that have lived here for many years, that are well versed in different language and are accustomed to our culture and values. Do you consider them as Malaysian too?
ReplyDeleteOr those that were born here but have migrated elsewhere? Do you consider them as a Malaysian?