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Race and religion are touchy issues in multi-racial Malaysia, where Muslims form about 60 percent of the population. (Reuters) |
CAIRO — On the eve of gala celebrations marking a half-century of independence, Houses of worship throughout Malaysia are bustling with people praying for a lasting unity and peace, The Star daily reported on Thursday, August 30.
"Let us pray together in this memorable occasion that we will continue to stay united and join hands to work for a better future," Ong Ka Ting, president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) said, attending the Buddhist commemoration of the Independence Day.
The gathering came as thousands of the faithful from other religions were holding similar prayers for stability and harmony in multiethnic predominantly-Muslim Malaysia.
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi led thousands of Muslims in prayers at the National Mosque in the heart of the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Simultaneously, Christians, Taoists, Hindus and Sikhs prayed at their respective places of worship.
"A lot of things have been done to put this country together and Malaysians are able to share things as well as to give and take," Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, told the Service of Thanksgiving for the Nation at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Petaling Jaya city.
The national unity prayers came as the nation kicked off two days of gala celebrations for its 50th birthday.
The national flag will be raised at Thursday midnight along with light and sound shows depicting Malaysia’s journey in the last five decades, while a major set-piece parade Friday will see fighter jets roar over lit-up skyscrapers.
Foreign dignitaries have already started to descend on Kuala Lumpur for the extravagant light shows and patriotic parties.
Malaysia has won independence from the British occupiers on August 31, 1957.
Since then, it has been transformed into one of the Muslim world's most developed countries.
It has also slashed poverty through stable economic growth, becoming Southeast Asia's third largest economy.
Sensitivities
The massive celebrations came amid a raging debate over the nation's diverse identity, reported Agence France Presse (AFP).
"Everyone seems to be excited but let us also not forget the problems that have been pulling us back, especially race and religion issues," advocacy groups from southern Malaysia said in a joint statement.
"We want a peaceful and friendly coalition between all the major races as this will spur us to greater heights in the next 50 years."
Chandra Muzaffar, president of the advocacy group International Movement for a Just World, echoed a similar sentiment.
"As we go into 50 years of independence, my wish is that all Malaysians treat each other as equals."
Race and religion are touchy issues in multiethnic Malaysia.
Dubbed the "melting pot" of Asia for its potpourri of cultures, the country has long been held up as a model of peaceful co-existence among its races and religions.
Muslim Malays form about 60 percent of a the 26-million population.
Buddhist constitute 19.2 percent, Christian 9.1, Hindu 6.3 while other traditional Chinese religions make up the test of the population.
Some Malaysians admit that tensions have been rumbling lately.
"After 50 years we are facing some challenges," S. Varatheraju, a 47-year-old psychologist, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) while attending mass festivals at the capital's Independence Square with his wife and child.
"Definitely the minorities are unhappy. I feel the government should address these problems quickly without hurting anyone."
However, others believe the problem has not woven so deeply into the fabric of society.
"Of course there are some racial problems, but it is not that serious," said Simon Phuak, a 37-year-old hotelier.
"So like it or not, we have to celebrate, because it is our 50th birthday."
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