Culture Shock Resettling Into Malaysia S Sweet Symphony

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 In my last article, I painted a picture of my initial homecoming. The initial culture shock of returning to Malaysia has softened into a warm familiarity.
In part two, I venture beyond the initial culture shock and delve deeper into the heart of my Tanah Airku.
I embark on a journey through the breathtaking beauty of nature, where emerald rainforests whisper secrets, and explore the captivating world of batik, as I converse with a beloved friend, his words add another layer to the rich tapestry of Malaysian identity.
Our exploration doesn’t end with the setting sun. The vibrant cityscape undergoes a metamorphosis, bathed in a symphony of twinkling lights that paint the night sky with a wonderful spectacle, gazing at the city lights together becomes an experience etched in memory – a reminder of the cherished moments that define our lives in Malaysia.
We witness the spirit of Malaysia in its purest form, diverse ethnicities, cherished traditions, and the stories whispered between loved ones on this shared land.
A symphony for the senses
Venture beyond the bustling cities and Malaysia’s embrace extends to its natural beauty.
Nature and hiking offered amazing vistas of emerald peaks shrouded in mist, towering rainforests teeming with life and unseen wonders waiting to be discovered.
Imagine the feeling of cool, damp air on your skin and refreshing your lungs as you navigate a lush rainforest trail, the calls of unseen birds breaking the silence and the rustle of hidden creatures creating a symphony of sound.
The scent of damp earth mingles with the intoxicating aroma of exotic flowers like hibiscus and night-blooming jasmine, a sensory experience that soothed the soul.
Each step on the trail was an awakening of the senses, a reminder of the raw and untamed beauty that lies just beyond the city limits.
Batik: Unifying symbol
A recent conversation with a friend sparked a heartwarming reflection on what it truly means to be Malaysian.
As we discussed the baju (top) I was tailoring, he said, “Perhaps you should get a cheongsam alongside the batik. It would be a great way to represent your heritage.”
His suggestion, brimming with cultural pride, resonated deeply. Yet, a different idea bloomed within me - a realisation woven from the very threads of national identity.
We don’t introduce ourselves by race when we travel the world, do we? With a confident smile, we declare, “Malaysian!” I believe our nationality takes precedence. It should be the same at home.
It’s a source of immense pride, a proclamation that transcends ethnicity.
Race, in my opinion, shouldn’t be a defining factor on many official forms, including our identity cards.
Our passports, those little booklets that grant us access to the world, proudly bear the emblem of Malaysia, not our ethnicity.
Malaysia itself is our identity, a beautiful symphony played on the instruments of our heritage, not a collection of separate melodies.
Malaysia is the rich tapestry we’re all woven from, a vibrant blend of cultures and traditions. And what better symbol of this unity than batik?
Batik isn’t just a splash of colour on cloth or merely beautiful fabric; it’s a generations-old melody woven into the very fabric of Malaysia.
It transcends ethnicity, a language understood and spoken by all Malaysians, an expression of the rich heritage we share.
During national celebrations, it adorns people from all walks of life, a visual representation of our shared Malaysian identity.
The colours and intricate patterns tell a story of shared history, a story of generations of Malaysians who’ve poured their creativity and heritage into this art form, from the meticulous application of wax to the beautiful final product.
This, my friend, is the true essence of Malaysia. It’s about acknowledging the heritage we share and the bright future we’ll build together, united under the beautiful banner of Malaysian batik.
Batik becomes the perfect addition to my baju – not just a garment, but a bold statement of unity.
This is the true beauty of batik – its ability to bridge cultural divides and unite us under a shared sense of national pride that makes Malaysia truly unique.
Our land, people, heritage
As darkness enveloped the city, we found ourselves drawn to a hilltop where we gazed at the city lights together. This moment became a cherished memory, a reminder of our lives in Malaysia.
The landscape, a blend of historical landmarks and modern skyscrapers, served as a visual representation of Malaysia’s remarkable journey – economic, political, and social - and what truly makes Malaysia, Malaysia.
Witnessing this transformation filled my heart with a renewed sense of pride in our heritage.
Perhaps, without the stark contrast of living abroad, all of these might have been taken for granted, or perhaps, it was the distance that sharpened my senses.
All these elements I once took for granted, now held the power to chase away the chill. The vibrant sights, the cacophony of sounds and smells, the warmth of the people and the sun’s gentle kiss on my skin – once commonplace, now resonate with a deeper meaning.
Kuala Lumpur isn’t a city of contradictions; it’s a city of harmony. Here, the past whispers wisdom to the present and the future beckons with boundless possibilities.
It’s a place where history and progress dance hand-in-hand, creating a symphony that’s uniquely Malaysian.
As Malaysia approaches its 67th Independence Day with this year’s theme Jiwa Merdeka, let us embrace and celebrate the remarkable diversity.
We must remember and cherish the threads that weave our nation together – our people, cultures, flavours, and land.
This is the essence of Malaysia: a land where unity thrives amidst diversity, heritage is celebrated, and the future beckons brightly.
It’s a symphony composed by our people, played on the stage of our land, and forever echoing in the melody of our shared identity.
This rediscovery wasn’t just about a place, but about the feeling of belonging. It was the warmth of a familiar embrace, the comfort of shared traditions and cultures, and the melody of a national identity that resonated deep within. - Mkini
TEOH KING MEN, a qualified lawyer, is on the frontlines of climate action, delving into climate change and sustainability policies, researching strategies to make a difference through effective policy and legal frameworks.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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