Treasured Friendships Memories As The Only Non Malay In School

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OUR MUHIBAH STORY | In April, Malaysiakini invited readers to submit a story about their cherished friendships or relationships that surpass race and religious barriers.
Some shared about their friendship forged as children that have lasted a lifetime. Their stories have left a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times gone past.
But some of Malaysiakini’s younger readers - who were not even born in those “good old days” - share that those bonds still exist for them today.
These are their stories, in their own words, as submitted to Malaysiakini.
(Editor’s Note: The stories below are brief but should not be perceived as a full reflection of the contributor’s entire experience. They are brief because Malaysiakini’s call-out was for readers to submit a photograph with a caption of not more than 100 words to fit social media formats.)
‘Learning to live together’
A muhibah story by Sean Liaw, 18.
I was the only ethnic Chinese student throughout my five years in secondary school, all the way up until the final day of SPM.
For five years, I lived at the boarding school with my Malay classmates and batchmates. It was hard to adapt at first but after a year of hiccups, it became great.
They were all very nice and had an eagerness to learn and understand the cultural differences I had with them.
It was definitely an extraordinary secondary school experience and a well-worth journey.
This is my batch - Al Fateh 1923. These friends are “legends”. This memory will live rent-free in my mind.
‘Our teacher taught us the beauty in our diversity’
A muhibah story by Tay Yie Jie, 11.
In multicultural Malaysia, we experience the blending of different cultures and how to be inclusive of others. It’s a wonderful thing.
This is my Bahasa Malaysia teacher, Farah Assofia Harolizam. She is Malay. Through her, we learn the beauty of cross-cultural communication.
She taught our class of nine-year-olds (Standard 3) wholeheartedly, making sure we all understood. Now we are Standard 5 students.
My teacher and I took this joyful photo together on Teacher's Day. I will remember her all my life.
A helping hand from a stranger
A muhibah story by Ivan Seow, 28.
At a recent event, I wore the Baju Melayu for the first time.
I felt somewhat awkward, especially because I had no clue how to handle the sampin.
Fortunately, a Malay trader noticed my discomfort and warmly approached me, offering to help.
At that moment, I realised this is the beauty of Malaysia's diversity. - Mkini

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