I Don't Friend You!

I can't help but think of what my eldest girl went through in school, when a classmate of hers told her those exact words. She cried when she was relating her experience to my wife, and it was when probed, the reasons were 'because she was Chinese'. And my reaction? I spoke to her, and told her that perhaps, her friend had been unduly influenced by a certain event, or even an experience.
Words to a nine year old can sometimes be really painful, and this, I sensed must have been really up there in terms of priority for a year three student.

So it took a bit of coaxing, and it was when she was told that she also has another friend, 'Z' whom she considers her best friend in class, that she accepted this as an isolated incident. Coincidentally, the friend who uttered that racially sensitive phrase was also Malay. But I see it like this. It is not the fault of being Malay or not. Really. The nine year old who said those words, were in truth not guided the right way, or perhaps in the hustle and bustle life of a parent, hers might not have even known about the incident. I pondered on this for a few days, and when it was her sports day, took the opportunity to highlight this incident to the class teacher who carefully asked 'who and how'. I replied that it was not important and the more important thing was that she should monitor the situation, and correct it if it does come to light again.
I do not see this as an ethnic problem, and more to the individual. You see, I truely consider myself Malaysian.

And why this posting? Anak Bangsa Malaysia is a very important project. One that was initiated by Haris Ibrahim, but I sense, Anak Bangsa Malaysia has also taken its own direction. Politically hijacked, if I must say. Not by Haris, as he has always maintained that he has no ulterior motive. And I believe him. But others, have resorted to using this noble association to launch political attacks. I like the changes I see on the ground. That BN is actually committing itself to resolve issues. But, there are those who want to see BN destroyed. Fact is, we cannot afford to have that.
Don't believe me. Look north and see the damage, what Red and Yellow has done.
If we see the damage, and if we can rectify it, we should all do our part, not proceed to condemn and go on with the agenda that others wish for us.

And in this course, that I have chosen to take, I consider myself friends to both sides, though its a lonely road, sometimes. And when you do have genuine company, others will mistake your company as some form of inducement.
Today, I was told that my writing had singled out a true and well respected friend. I sincerely hope that he will see that from the beginning, we have agreed to disagree, and along the way some of us just chose to have friends who have the same view.
It won't ever be the same again.