The visit to Negeri Sembilan and Melaka was the last “turun padang” session, yet it is one of the most memorable sessions the National Unity fellows had. This “turun padang” presented the fellows with insightful views on multiple religions and also the ethnic minorities in Malaysia. The session was kick-started with the visit to the “Seminary Teologi Malaysia”. This is a Protestant seminary for theological studies and we were welcomed by Mr Sivin Kit as we reached the seminary compound. Indeed, it was a new experience for most fellows who have never set foot into a seminary. In around one and half an hour, we had a great opportunity in engaging with Mr Sivin Kit about Christianity and its denominations, as well on his views of inter-religious relationship in Malaysia.
Next, we were brought to the Chitty Village in Melaka. The Chitty community has made their presence in Peninsular Malaysia for centuries, even prior to the Portuguese occupation. The visit to this legendary village was eye-opening as it enabled the fellows to learn about Malaysia less-spoken ethnic minorities. The Chitties, although Hindu in religious belief, share more common traits with the Malays in their traditions and language. We continued our journey to another ethnic minority in Melaka which is the Portuguese community. There, we were welcomed by the friendly members of the community. We were introduced to their history in Malaysia as well as the problems they faced in maintaining their traditions and historical settlement from threats of development and modernisation.
The visit to Negeri Sembilan and Melaka brought awareness to the fellows that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is more than one could imagine. Not only that, we understood that the problems faced by the ethnic minorities merit great attention by relevant authorities. Ordinary Malaysians should also take the initiative to learn about the diversity in Malaysia’s ethnic composition. Apart from that, we learned that as Malaysians, we should be more appreciative of the various religious beliefs in our motherland. Rather than focusing on the differences, it is best if Malaysians emphasize in finding the common ground among us, to bind us all more closely with the aspirations of creating a Malaysia for all.
Next, we were brought to the Chitty Village in Melaka. The Chitty community has made their presence in Peninsular Malaysia for centuries, even prior to the Portuguese occupation. The visit to this legendary village was eye-opening as it enabled the fellows to learn about Malaysia less-spoken ethnic minorities. The Chitties, although Hindu in religious belief, share more common traits with the Malays in their traditions and language. We continued our journey to another ethnic minority in Melaka which is the Portuguese community. There, we were welcomed by the friendly members of the community. We were introduced to their history in Malaysia as well as the problems they faced in maintaining their traditions and historical settlement from threats of development and modernisation.
The visit to Negeri Sembilan and Melaka brought awareness to the fellows that Malaysia’s ethnic diversity is more than one could imagine. Not only that, we understood that the problems faced by the ethnic minorities merit great attention by relevant authorities. Ordinary Malaysians should also take the initiative to learn about the diversity in Malaysia’s ethnic composition. Apart from that, we learned that as Malaysians, we should be more appreciative of the various religious beliefs in our motherland. Rather than focusing on the differences, it is best if Malaysians emphasize in finding the common ground among us, to bind us all more closely with the aspirations of creating a Malaysia for all.