Looking back in history, it is quite amazing to see how the Malays managed to steer away from the path of racial, religious and civil conflicts that the Arabs in the Middle East were and are staggering through.
Also remarkable is the high tolerant attitude that the Malays had shown throughout the course of their civilisation. Here, I would like to point out that pursuant to the latest anthropological report, Malays were on this land since time immemorial. They certainly did not migrate here hundreds of thousands of years ago, but very much earlier. Although they may share a strong genetic ties to the people of northern Asia, i.e. at Yunan in China, as Aizuddin Danian said ([#1] Stop this blatant racism [/#], Feb 13).
The Malays were, intermittently, Hindus or Buddhists for at least 1,200 years (1-13 century AD). Under the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism, the Malays developed a great civilisation and established many independent and interdependent kingdoms. The Malay Archipelago had even become the centre of learning and propagation of religious teachings for Asia.
The debate between the Malay Buddhists and the Malay Hindus on the idea of equal rights for all races even started as early as 1,000 years ago. But unlike in other parts of the world, no major violence or bloodshed had ever occurred as a consequence of the heated arguments allowed by the freedom of expression at its age. Although in the archipelago, as in India, Buddhism failed to persuade the people to demolish the caste system, which bestowed the Brahmins (the highest class) some special rights, the Malays continued to live harmoniously.
More impressive was when the bulk of the Malays converted to Islam, there was no religious conflict. Moreover, the caste system Buddhism failed to rid off had been successfully eradicated, with the help of the teachings of Islam. All these took place peacefully. The peace prevailed until the downfall of the Melaka Islamic sultanate in 1511 in the hands of Western colonists.
The above account of a period of about 1,500 years shows how open-minded the Malays were. Now the Malays are not much different from their ancestors. They are a marvelous race who can accept and adapt themselves into any society that has various cultures, beliefs and ideas. It is very much owed to their gentle temperament and understanding attitude.
We must also understand that the ideas of ketuanan Melayu and Malay special rights are all a colonial legacy. Had the Malay civilisation not been ravaged mercilessly by the Western colonists, the deeply vexed arguments on Malay special rights and ketuanan Melayu would not have taken place at all. We must recognise that the fear of losing, and shattering of confidence, force them to revive the ghost of the ancient caste system to 'protect' themselves, which their ancestors had abandoned long ago.
So we should help them to rid themselves of the fear and restore their confidence by extending our hands with loving kindness. Simply because they are our brothers and sisters.
Copy and paste: 27/6/2023 > 7 Zulhijjah 1444H: 12.36 pm
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