What does it mean to be Malaysian?
I am half Malay and half Chinese.The fair skin and sepet part is from Southern China, according to 23andMe genetic testing. Fascinating what genetic science can unravel these days.
It confirms what the family knows already that my beautiful mother was Chinese and was adopted by a Malay family when she was a baby. We don’t know anything about her biological family apart from that she was born in Sungai Lembing, Pahang. That’s what it says it her surat beranak la. Sungai Lembing was famous for tin mining back then and the British brought in ramai Chinese workers to work in the lombong. I am very curious to find out if I have any uncles, aunties and cousins in that area!
My father was more straightforward. He was from Junjong in Penang mainland and was brought up by his aunt because his parents died when he was young.
In my IC it says I am Malay. However when people asked me what I am, my answer these days is I am mixed Chinese-Malay. Campur-campur. Feels more scientifically correct to answer this way and now it’s backed up by genetic testing.
So today on our Hari Merdeka, I want to celebrate the diversity in our country. We are blessed that kaum Melayu, Cina, India and of course dan Lain-lain are able to live together harmoniously and I hope this will continue in years to come.
Malaysia tanahairku.
