Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Tolerence and moderation: Key for racial unity


At the gathering of World Interfaith Harmony Week recently, Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak called on Malaysians to see the diversity as an asset to the nation.

It is indeed sad to note that certain quarters have disapproved his action and made an issue about his presence merely wearing a kurta at  Thaipusam’s celebration in Batu Caves recently. After all, kurta is just a tradisional attire for Indian men just like Malaysian Chinese and Indian women wear the kebaya.

As clarified by the Premier, we should not confuse between culture and religion. Religion is about faith, but culture is a social practice among people. Both should not be made to conflict with each other.

In Malaysia people from different cultural background adhering different religions, like the Bahá'is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jain and Muslims, still practising their own culture and customs, including their dress code. The dress code is just a social identity, not a religious identity.

We should not allow ignorance of other religious beliefs to become a barrier for unity and solidarity in our nation. Intolerance should not be allowed to obscure religious truth. A climate of religious tolerance, although challenging should be a priority in our multi-cultural and multi-religious societies in Malaysia.

All of us, including religious leaders, educators, media and the government should work towards establishing religious tolerance and mutual understanding among the citizens of this country. Steps of friendly mutual tolerance ought to be established between various religious adherents of the Malaysia to make haven for all.

As stressed by Najib, moderation is key word for religious tolerance in any country. I believe, as Malaysian we are just like flowers of one garden, living harmoniously and peacefully in this great nation of us.  We have learnt to accept our differences and accept each other as fellow Malaysians in a spirit of fellowship and comradeship.

 As demonstrated by the Prime Minister himself, all Malaysians should consort with peoples of all religions with joy and gladness. We are all waves of one sea, as echoed in 1Malaysia concept.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Muar: Royal Town


As a Muarian, I am extremely pleased with the announcement of Muar as Bandar Diraja or royal town by His Highness, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Sultan of Johor. I am sure all the Muarians share the same joy and pride with the historic announcement.  Historical records show that Muar has a history which stretches more than 100 years. The Portuguese records show Muar existed as early as 1600. Muar was one of the earliest town established in the state.

 

It is interesting to note that Muar had its own railway known as Muar State Railway (M.S.R) in the years 1889-1925. It operated from Maharani town to Parit Jawa to provide transport for the residents in Parit Jawa and the neighbouring villages. The service was terminated in 1925 when a road named Jalan Abdul Rahman was opened from Parit Jawa to Muar town.  The engine of M.S.R is now displayed at Tanjung Emas Muar as local heritage.

 

The name Maharani was given to this town by Sultan Abu Bakar who was also known as Maharaja, when he officially named the town as Maharani, in honour his Queen in 1884. The city of Maharani was the capital city until the capital moved later to Tanjung Puteri (now known as Johor Bahru).

 

There are many etymologies for the origin of the name Muar. One of it is said Muar obtained its name from its geographical location at the mouth of Muar River. Muara means estuary in Malay.

 

Several historical buildings stand with grandeur and majesty until today to testify Muar town is architecturally rich and historical designs. Among them are Muar High Court building built in 1885 in a neo-classical architecture, the Royal Customs & Exercise built  built in 1909 and  High School Muar, built in 1914.  

 

Some years ago, in 1984 Muar celebrated its 100th year celebrations with much pomp and grandeur many years ago. At this juncture, as urged by the Sultan of Johor, the residents of Muar should ensure that the cleanliness of the town is maintained. Perhaps, Muarians should make efforts to change the pensioner’s town image to a modern and developed town.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Origin of yee sang



I refer to the recent debate about the term Yee Sang. The term which literally means “raw fish” is a favourite dish served throughout Chinese New Year celebrations by the Chinese communities.  In fact, Yee Sang has become a tradition synonymous with abundance, prosperity and vigour.

 As a linguist fascinated by etymology, the study of history of words in language, I would like to share some views on this subject. Yee sang, according to Lim Mun Fah of the Sin Chew daily  is a Chinese word from the Cantonese dialect. This means the term originated from mainland China. One website said the dish originated as early as 220.  As the Chinese community dispersed to other parts of the world as emigrants, including to Malaysia and Singapore, yee sang being part of Chinese culture was tacked along with them. It is said the yee sang culture was brought to Malaysia and Singapore as early as 1920’s. 

So, the question that the word yee sang originated from the Chinese in Singapore cannot hold water.  Neither, can the Malaysian Chinese claim it originated from Malaysia. Probably, the content of the dish has changed from the original yee sang. Local flavour was added and the dish has now evolved into the modern version of yee sang.

I believe as an etymologist and linguist, this type of polemics can be solved, if we have an etymological dictionary. The dictionary will trace the history of all words used in languages. Therefore, I urge the Chinese community, especially the scholars to work on an etymological dictionary in the near future. Besides providing invaluable information of the origin of words, it could also serve as essential research tool for Chinese words.

On the controversy of the yee sang, I suggest we need not split hairs but rather accept the dish as a Chinese dish, a precious part of the Malaysia and Singapore’s Chinese culture. As Malaysians, we should be proud of yee sang, a cultural belonging of the Chinese, in particular the Cantonese community.