Coming to Light

In light of the recent movement which is 'Black Lives Matter' I have decided to look into the racism occurring in Malaysia. As a Malay myself, I have lived in ignorance due to my privilege and foolishly thought racism was no longer a prevalent matter here. Now that I've read a few articles, and heard some rather distasteful words from my parents, I now realize that is not the case.

Racism is very much evident in daily life.

I am a young girl, my views will not change the world as it is. This is simply how I think.

I think all Malaysians should get equal rights for housing, job opportunities, education and such. However, since Malays were the original residents of this land, I suppose a few advantages such as MARA would be good, but not to the point of limiting the opportunities of the other races. All Malaysians should respect each other, no matter what race or religion or even political view. We should be united against racism, not fanning the flames and living in hate.

What do you get for hating on the Chinese, the Indians? The aboriginals? Nothing, that's what. It will only continue the cycle of hatred. I personally don't have any Indian friends but I do have a few Chinese friends and they are all amazing people. I don't understand the need to discriminate against them. I hope that my generation and I will be able to overthrow this corrupt system and work towards a more egalitarian Malaysia, the elusive Malaysian Malaysia. 

I stand on this opinion. Of course, I will read on it some more, since my knowledge on this matter is very shallow. However, my feelings on it will not change. Racism benefits no one but the oppressor and will only bring about discord and hatred. 

Let us change the bigoted old ways and pave the way towards a peaceful, balanced future.

XO, Authoress.

(These are my opinions. This does not reflect on my family, or educational institute. Leave others out of this.)