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Monday, February 09, 2004

Of Bukit Kepong, 513 and Eating Together

It is often said that when Bukit Kepong is screened repeatedly on the idiot box and mentions are made of 513 (the May 13th incident), general election is near. Somehow these events are so linked. Well, not too llong ago at a book launch, the heroics of Bukit Kepong received mention. Recently, coming from the unexpected quarters was mention again of 513, the Star has this to say ::

He (the new PM said the May 13 riot had taught the country’s leaders that race relations was “not simple” and that one race could not be left to dominate any particular sector.
“We cannot leave the administration and politics of the country to the Malays, trade and business to the Chinese or union and professional workforce to the Indians,” he said.

Isn't it time we laid the ghost of 513 to RIP. After all the group at which this mention was directed is supposedly the youths of oour nation, this is a group who knows so little of that particular events. It can be said that the nation has chosen to leave it that way. What little the youths may know are coloured by the interpretations of the community the belong to. Unless a time comes when we are all ready to face the truth, at least the ghost of 513 should be allowed to temporarily rest in peace.
The other thing which our new PM likes to talk about is that racial integration has improved over the years and this is in relations to our ability to sit down together and eat. For a man who wants to know the truth, he must be missing something.
Bernama has this to report ::

Referring to being able to sit down comfortably at the same table to enjoy food during Chinese New Year gatherings now, as compared to the previous era which served separate food for Muslims and non-Muslims, Abdullah said the friendship among people of different religion and races was not a pretension.
"Today we are more comfortable eating at the same table as the food served is halal and can be eaten by all those present. As for Indians who cannot consume beef, other food is served.
"Racial integration now (when compared to the past era) is much better," said the Prime Minister.

Many would like to differ with the new PM with regards to the ease of sitting down together to eat these days. Many of my friends would say it is difficult these days to have muslim friends come eat in their homes on festivals unlike back then in the 60's and 70's. What's your experience? Do you think the ability to be eating together is a good measure of racial integration? Were we having bad old days then, or were they better old days? These days, i am told, it is best to eat out together at those halal establishments or fast food joints or open houses, when having mixed company. But then again, can everyone afford these?

~~H0ME! | ¶ 2/09/2004 02:07:00 PM

The Funnies, The Spins, The Humourous and The Humourless......
"I do not aim at fusion. Each religion has its own contribution to make to human evolution. I regard the great faiths of the WORLD as so many branches of a tree, each distinct from the other though having the same source.----Mahatma Ghandhi.

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