Ctrl + F >> Find & Replace

"Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected."

—Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

its a book. Its a novel. trusted to be a good literature source for secondary school students of Malaysia. But, once revised, it is very decaptivating to know that the lines of the Malay language literature piece; Interlok contains terms that refers to the Indians as immigrants and low caste untouchables (Pariah). Very DEMOTIVATING and certainly not a trait of a good writer that suppose to create national-based-patriotism. but instead more to invoking racial difference issues and indirectly giving access to the NEW youngsters of indian minority to be labelled as what was described by the author of that malay novel, Abdullah Hussain, one of Malaysia's renowned author.

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the book tells a chronology of different racial background people in malaya and how is the integrity of these citizens (To know the synopsis of the novel, -in malay language- click this!). Very well developed core story but definitely not the most intelligent way to present it. This novel that made compulsory by Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (Malaysian Ministry of Education) as Form 5 literature texts was then, debated as a provocative literature piece later by malaysian indians. Why things approved by government bodies was opposed? are these indians had their brains leaked anyhow? certainly NOT!

if there should be a blame, it must be on the authorities, where approving such materials at national level is ultimate absurdity knowing that it can create countless dissatisfactions. Insensitive as the way, maybe, clearly it is not the cleaverest move by the author or the approving authorities. As what the quote in the beginning suggest, we are slowly moving into interconnected relationship despite racial backgrounds, but provoking thoughts about origin, diversity or any racial based comments certainly would create nasty outcome. This specific issue of interlok have triggered response from many sides.

1. individuals that would want to protect (as though its something under the terrorist attack) the original copy (that possess those inappropriate terms) and continue it as formal literature texts - click here
2. individuals that finds its 'OKAY' with the literature text and prefer not to make that a big issue
3. the one who feel offended with the terms used
4. political minded people who want to make it an issue
5. some individuals that want those terms to be maintained so that the Indians can learn their origins.

Article of Makkal Osai - "BAN INTERLOK"

what is really wrong with these sort of people? by the way, i categorize myself to be #3.  Intentions and the action taken to deal this matter seems to be reckless and unworthy. Recently I have joined a function in conjunction of Ponggal Festival held in Bandar Rinching, Selangor. That event was officiated by ADUN Semenyih. And he said that, the book is to be a  national patriotism-promoting literature piece that must be accepted. Furthermore, he justified that it to be in parallel of the One Malaysia concept. And we (Indian Community) need to look the positive part of it. That strucked my mind to as a question, "then what about the ONE AND ONLY NEGATIVE PART?".  Again, not a clever way to justify crime of disrespecting the diversity and cultural background of the Indians. If people like this exist and spread the misleading ideas like these, then there should be bigger bunch of followers nodding their head .

recently i have also participated in the poll conducted by Berita Harian (left mid-bottom) that ask the majority feedback on What To Do To The Novel? doesn't this show how inefficient of authorities can be in solving a national problem? to me, it is not more than, publicity for the daily, more fancy promises to the community by politicians and poor decision making in dealing the problem. If corrective measures were taken on time, there is no need for Berita Harian to even 'ask' the citizens back on what is the best decision that can be taken. FAIL! and most, 66.22% agreed to mantain the novel with its original contents. What?? dont you know that matters regarding on racial issues, is best dealt to satisfy all sides rather than one? this result shows how many one sided thinkers there are in Malaysia. Again DEMOCRACY FAIL!

result of the poll on 6th Feb 2011, 1220am.

for me, in my opinion:

• change the offensive words (a.k.a Ctrl+F >> Find&Replace) to better term
• author to apologise on the chaos created
• authorities to be very spesifc on these sort of sensitive issues
• government (Kementrian Pelajaran Malaysia) to be attentive on issues regarding their own department
• people of any race must not take this advantage to use the terms (Pariah & pendatang) to tease,, humiliate or politicizenthis issue.
• involving parties, (esp PENA) to monitor any novels to be sensitive and provocative
• and to the Indians - stay in tact and Think Right!! 

and i know, making these sort of post would make no difference but at least evoke the consciousness in people that we are different in origin wise, but not in the way we think. let us make not another mistake like May13 or Hindraf issues. THINK RIGHT!

translated : Fast protest against the INTERLOK