Acceptance

I had the great pleasure of going to a friend’s house for a kenduri (gathering).

The friend in question was someone that I had only spoken to, for years, on ‘Facebook’ but he is someone I hold in the greatest regard. This is the first time we have met ‘face-to-face’, as it were. It was wonderful.

Saffian and Daughter

The people that were gathered there for a chats and (excellent) food were all extraordinarily friendly regardless of race, creed or colour – indeed, I was made to feel welcome even though I was the only ‘Mat Salleh’ (White Man) there.

It Was So Good Shukor Had A Refill

Time To Replenish The Nasi Lemak Accompaniments

(Nasi Lemak = Rice Cooked In Coconut Milk)

It was clear, from the outset, as it is wherever you go in Malaysia, that people accept you for who you are and no other reason. This is something that immediately puts you at ease and allows you to feel welcome.

The Superb Caterers For The Open House (For Malaysians)

Later that same day I was most honoured to be invited to a book launch.

The Book

The book was written by a friend of mine with whom I had worked at a local air operator where I was teaching about the aeroplane and safety but she was the lawyer in head office.

A Moment Of Mirth During Felicia's Presentation

Once again the function was well attended. This time by many members, including Elders and the Pastor, of the local Church.

People Begin To Arrive

This made no difference to welcome I received. Even being a white man and not of the same religion made no difference. Present were people of several races and of different religions. All got on with each other. We all shared conversation and food in a spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Wonderful Snacks

This is why I like Malaysia. The hype of ‘racism’ is over-rated; the idea that people are warring with each other on political grounds is baseless.

We are all one under the banner of humanity; we are all ‘people’.

Long may it continue and may it spread to other countries who seem to have a much lower tolerance of the ‘differences’.