I take on both racist Chinese in Malaysia who run down Malays in their frustration over UMNOs racism and Pan-Chinese nationalists who defend authoritarianism in China in their anger over Western imperialism. I do so because, like it or not, I am an ethnic Chinese who speaks the language and understands the psyche. I do not let my ethnicity define me but I want to use what comes with my ethnicity to reach out and bring positive changes where I can. Meanwhile, I also take on others who unfairly criticise the Chinese. Criticising and defending the Chinese (both within and without Malaysia) guided by my own values often puts me in a difficult position drawing attacks from opposing sides. In the eyes of some, I am a Chinese racist who rejects the NEP, challenges the so-called social contract and defends Chinese-medium schools. To some others, I am a Chinese sell-out for stressing the need to help the Malays, to appreciate the historical context of Nusantara civilisation and to promote the Malay language. I am happy to be slammed by both sides, than to be praised by either or, worse, by both for excellence in hypocrisy. I will never want to seek comfort in the self-deceiving game of victimhood.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:44:24 +0000
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