BEFORE AND AFTER 200 YEARS - Neighbourliness Asunder?

Sinchew 2009-09-07 11:57

People could build different religious places along a street 200 years ago. But today, people cannot accept the existence of other religious temples within the distance of 300 meter.

What happen to Malaysia? Why do we regress to such a point?

In Penang, we can see the famous Masjid Kapitan Keling, Guan Yin Temple and St George's Church at Masjid Kapitan Keling Road and a Hindu temple is located not far from them.

The solemn voice of prayer from Masjid Kapitan Keling and the bells from St George's Church form a harmonic rhythm when the incense from Guan Yin temple is rising. And we can smell the delicate fragrance of flowers from the Hindu temple when a gust of wind blows over.

Other than respected their own religion, residents here could accept, or even appreciate other religions 200 years ago.

When they were carrying out their religious rituals, they never complaint about interference from others. And they never protested that the purity and sanctity of their religion was affected.

Whenever there was a religious festival, the mosque, church and temples along the street would mutually accommodate to ensure the events were smoothly carried out.

Perhaps, with their praying efforts, their souls were improved and they became more tolerant, which has brought peace to the land for 200 years, or even longer.

No wonder when all the surrounding places were devastated by the fierce bombing in George Down launched by the Japanese during the World War II, only that street alone was able to survive as it was blessed by their respective Gods.

The mosques, church and temples are not merely the country's most precious cultural heritage, they also tell the people of all races that: this is the spirit that must be embraced by all the generations.

Today, the relocation of a Hindu temple in Shah Alam, Selangor has led to an unrest caused by some residents, as well as some political speculators.

From the "cow head" protest to the dialogue with the residents, some people unscrupulously showed their ego and refused to listen to others. They exaggerated the religious and racial differences by abandoning mutual respect and tolerance which the Malaysian society has been insisting for a long time.

The incident takes place in Shah Alam today but such narrow mentality and attitude may be extended to other areas tomorrow.

The 200-year-old civilisation asset is gradually collapsing and sinking just like that. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)

Article source: http://mediarakyat.net/?p=1811