Journal Reflection 11::Multiculturalism?::

Do you think that Malaysian people are engaged in different festival that are contradicting with their belief and religion?

For example, a Malay people visit Indian family during Deepavali.
Or a Chinese came to Malay family during Hari Raya.
Are this situation common in our society?

Some of us, Malay people for example, when they went to some ceremony that involving different races, they will feel weird and awkward. Why? Because they might think,

'Oh, that food must be cooked by non-muslim. They must put pork at that food'
'I feel awkward with the food that I ate just now. Is it halal or not?'
'Rather than I go to this ceremony, better I stay at home. At least I did not waste my time  at there'
'Oh  my God. What happen? Why they must worship that thing during open house? Annoying!'

Look. Some of us still have our own stigma about this. For us, it is better to befriend with the same race because we share the same value and norms rather than knowing people with different race and religion even though they live beside our house. Don't you think that it is shameful for us as Muslim?

Is there any surah that our God told us not to approach them or befriend with them?

Of course the answer is NO.

If we look at our surrounding outside, open up our mind regarding this, we will realize that actually we are too selfish and not practing 'weness' in our life. Can you imagine that in this world that there is people who will not help one person from his badly injured because of different races? Do you think that it is impossible to happen nowadays?

I can see that currently whenever I go to everywhere; shopping complex, lake or garden, I wills see the same situation; Malay only with Malay, Chinese is only with their Chinese friends, Indians with their friends as well. So, where is the cultural diversity here?

You got the answer. I am sure of that.