KELANTAN An Islamic State

No matter what you read and no matter how you perceive 1Malaysia to be, it is just an idea waiting to be hatched. To be able to make 1Malaysia a reality in a multi-racial society, it is not a cinch or can be done with mere slogans, but with a strong conviction instead.

With insincere politicians shouting rhetoric instead of speaking with one tongue, 1Malaysia will just be the tag-line that is used once too often resulting in ennui.

The Malaysian multi-racial society of different ethnic make-up is beginning to understand the complications to accept the true meaning of 1Malaysia. The complications do not derive from failing to understand why integration is imperative, but from selfish politicians who are creating the confusion of fear that gives hesitation the avenue to the fence-sitters to hold back their horses!

Say what you like and opine what you deem fit, but remember what comes out from the horse’s mouth surpasses the thinking of politicians and even the intellects as well.

The trip to Kelantan for the Manek Urai by-election was an eye-opener, not only for political purposes but also a rich experience to be with the man on the street.

As usual, when comes to politics and religions, people tend to shy away yet have so much to talk about once the guarantee of their identities are bounded and locked.

The most surprising of all was when they were asked about what their views were on 1Malaysia. Lost for a moment trying to figure out what I meant, was the tell-tale sign that they had no inkling what I was talking about. Their sheepish smiles to hide such ignorance had impressed upon me that I was going to have a field-day with them.

A paroxysm of laughter after my explanation to hide their ignorance was understandable. Those with curious minds would “interview” me instead wanting to know more about what is 1Malaysia all about. However, I obliged even though it was not my cup of tea.

The bottom line is that 1Malaysia is not anything new to them because for the locals, they have been “1Malaysia” ever since time immemorial! They have been able to co-exist like intelligent people without “racial contamination” is because of Tok Guru himself.

The virtues that have harnessed them to be who they are today are in the following summarized sequence.

Understand what religion has taught them
Respect one another because our existence depends on it.
Friendship derives from knowing the different religious and cultural practices and the likes and dislikes from the various communities.

One statement made by a Chinese woman in particular had me thinking over in my mind along the way back to the hotel. Luckily, she could communicate in English otherwise my half-baked “hokkien” dialect would have confused her.

“We have being living in Kelantan for more than sixty years and we are still here!”

With the opportune moment available, it was to strike when the iron is hot over more sensitive questions.

Me : What about living with other communities? Is there any problems?
Her : No, we can live together. See for yourself. We are peaceful.
Me : What has made this possible?
Her : (Shrugging her shoulders) We understand each other.
Me : How about the livelihood, is it difficult to survive?
Her : No, our business is as usual, but slow.
Me : I am more interested to know about the integration of the minor community with the
higher populace of another community.
Her : Do you mean living peacefully? (I nodded my head). Do you know when other states
had to experience May 13, here in Kelantan we were living peacefully.
Me : Can you tell me how Kelantan is different?
Her : If Perak is under PAS mentri besar, YB Nizar like Kelantan is under Tok Guru, the
states will be fairly governed. Outside these states I have my reservation for PAS.
Me : How about religion and food especially pork?
Her : We have no problems with that. (Her husband interrupted). You can see the tallest
sitting and sleeping statues of Buddha in Tumpat.
Me : What about pork?
Her : You can walk to the bus and taxi stand and you can see for yourself.
Me : Do you mean pork is allowed to sell openly?
Her : Yes!
Me : Do you mean to say that there is no objection from the locals?
Her : No. What is there to object? They understand!
Me : What about pig farming then?
Her : The Siamese are allowed to rear pigs in villages and even their pigs are roaming
about. Pork is also sent in from other states.

This was what had excited me (even though I am not entirely a pork-eater) because what I have heard about such restriction and able to see with my own eyes, then, I would be able to tell the world about the good of PAS government.

Photos to follow soon. (Facing technical problems).