LETTER: During my usual walks around Kledang Hill, Ipoh Padang and Taman Dr Seenivasagam, I used to observe the activities of others who were there for recreation and exercise.
Observing the behaviour of multi-ethnic communities congregating and exercising there delights me and I am grateful that Malaysia enjoys peace and stability where people of different ethnicities are able to jog and walk freely.
Having said that, I have also noticed a very troubling paradox beneath the so-called ethnic and religious harmony in our society.
While there are communities of all ethnicities taking part in exercise and recreation, what is very noticeable is that Malaysians especially those from the working class and lower middle class tend to be with their own group be it when playing football or walking in the park.
While inter-ethnic collaboration in sports are there during tournaments or friendly competitions, most of the time Malaysians feel comfortable within their own group when it comes to social interaction, recreation and leisure.
This was also obvious in universities where students of one ethnic group will congregate among themselves without much interactions with others, as can be seen during sporting events and graduation ceremonies.
Is this the type of unity we desire? Where grassroot ethnic communities, while being tolerant and accepting of each other, are doing so within the boundaries of race and religion?
These are not new, but require a fresh perspective among the younger generation.
If one takes a look at the protest movement in the United States after the death of George Floyd, it was made up of multi-ethnic Americans who felt strongly about a systemic injustice in their society which had a global appeal. The bringing down of symbolic statues of colonisers with racial past was significant.
Therefore, it is time that we start creating a context for social interaction that encourages multi-ethnic collaboration.
There is a need of structural reforms such as empowering community leaders to resolve issues within their vicinity. We need to see more multi-ethnic activities in recreation parks besides being engaged in local issues.
Common issues like housing, prices of goods, cleanliness, transportation could be discussed without being overly conscious of one's ethnic identity.
RONALD BENJAMIN
Secretary, Association for Community and Dialogue
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times