Bukan Budaya Kita

Who we are? BUKAN BUDAYA KITA???!!!

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I've read through the 'Bukan Budaya Kita' written by Kathy Rowland. This article is mainly discussed on the national cultural policy. It is a policy enacted since independence in 1971 as there is no way in creating a national culture. In 1971, the prime minister is Abdul Razak Hussein. It emphasizes the importance of cultural politics and race a greater emphasis on economic government.

 Tun Abdul Razak Hussein was the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, ruling from 1970 to 1976

(Retrieved from http://informationsofmalaysia.blogspot.my/2015/06/malaysias-prime-ministers.html)

There are 3 main principles of National Cultural Policy.

1. Based on the culture of the people in this region

-The empire of Malacca was well known mainly as a centre for development and dissemination of culture.

-The culture of the people in this region has been integrated into the national culture.

In simple way to say, it means assimilation of non-Malays into the Malay ethnic group

2. Other cultures elements.

-Other foreign cultural elements, China, India, and other foreign countries.

-The suitability and acceptance of the cultures is depends on non-existence of contradictions in the constitution.

3. Islam became an important element in the development of national culture.

-Malaysia should be an Islamic country

-Adoption other cultures practices that not contradict to Islamic cultural practices.

Some politician said it is based on the existing indigenous culture within the region of Malaysia.

I personally disagreed with this national cultural policy. Both Chinese and Indians have questioned the policy and its exclusions. Our country, Malaysia is made up of multi races. So, the cultural problems sometimes are can't avoided but people must learn how to tolerant and respect others culture. As it is multi-races country, Malaysia is a multi-cultural society as well. I don’t really see a clear outcome of what national cultural policy mentioned. This may not be the main elements to unite the Malaysia culture. Yes, Malays are the biggest population in our country but we still have Chinese and Indian. Everyone has freedom to choose their own religions. However, this policy is practising the integration of Islam influence. Government has the power to set the official state religion and official language in Malaysia but the Constitution of Malaysia guarantees freedom of religion. We must make a clear statement or difference between Malay culture and Malaysian culture. We are unite as one Malaysia but not Malay. 

(Retrieved from http://ww.daliulian.net/cat98/node754038)

I’ve read through some comments via online sources. One of the girls said that:” This policy must exist because other races start to influence Malays women‘s wearing styles. Nowadays, many Malay women are not wearing their own culture wear. They are becoming more modern. If you don’t have a strong believing in yourself, you don’t blame on others. In fact, they are influenced by other races culture but it is not because of other races purposely influence Malays. According to Abu Talib Ahmad, the need to handle culture with great sensitivity without any enforced assimilation while the content of culture must be decided by an ongoing dialogue.

If a Malay woman doesn't wear tudung, you also can't categorize her as a non-respect Muslim. Last year, our Johor Princess was judged by some citizens. They said that, ' Tunku Aminah doesn't cover her head by wearing tudung. However, Prince of Johor, Tunku Idris had taken to social media to defend his sister's wearing. He went on to vouch for his sister, saying that she prayed more than some of those who were tudung and that she wore a selendang at all religious events. So, sometimes please don't judge a book by its cover. 

Tunku Tun Aminah, Princess of Johor

(Retrieved from http://www.popiyah.com/kool/10-perkara-anda-tidak-tahu-tentang-puteri-johor-tunku-aminah/)

Well, I know I am slowly out of topic. Back to the issue again. 

During that time, Chinese and Indian communities were quick to register their dissatisfaction over the national cultural policy. The lion king was banned at that period of time. This brought up a lot of anger. I am totally doubt with this statement. Every races protect their own culture and religions. They are just protecting their performing art.

During 1990, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejected this approach with his Bangsa Malaysia policy emphasising a Malaysian instead of Malay identity for the state. Therefore, he came out with the Wawasan 2020. The first challenge is establishing a united Malaysian nation made up of one Bangsa Malaysian. I agree with this. If you forced someone to receive what they don’t really wish to, it ends up will brought up many problems. 

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad

(Retrieved from http://www.bonology.com/2010_10_14_archive.html)

4 years to year 2020. Will this vision be possible? I see low possibility. Even Dr Mahathir also is pessimistic in achieving unity through the introduction of Bangsa Malaysia. We are facing so many issues such as restrictions on human rights and media freedom. While the issue is raised by someone, he or she might face difficulties in life. 

(Retrieved from http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2015/05/07/538982/)

Different prime ministers have different way of controlling the country. Tun Haji Abdul Razak introduced National Cultural Policy. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad introduced Bangsa Malaysia. And now we are creating a culture of fear. Everyone please think wisely. Why this situation becomes worse? Everyone in this land has responsibility. Yes, we can’t change the rules or laws in this country but at least we must learn to tolerate among all races. Learn to respect, Learn to tolerate. We can’t predict our country’s future but at least we are changing in a better way.