These men ask for just the same thing: fairness, and fairness only. This is, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of USA
“The Characters and Events in the Film are Fictional. Any Similarity to Persons Living or Dead is Purely Coincidental.”
These two sentences appear at the beginning of the recently released movie Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (Mat Kilau: The Rise of a Warrior).
Congratulations to the team for directing a movie that is a massive success with millions flowing and is the highest-grossing local film of all time in Malaysia.
The movie depicts the injustices done to the Malays and highlights their aspirations during British colonial rule in Pahang in 1890s. The lead character is Mat Kilau, a Malay warrior who leads the fight against the British.
The movie, unfortunately, portrays all non-Malays in a negative light. This includes the Sikh soldiers, Sarawak natives and Chinese as the villains.
I do understand that movies exercise a creative licence to keep audiences rooted to their seats. After watching the movie twice, I would say some depictions went too far.
Disrespecting communities by disseminating stories that did not occur is sad indeed.
After reviewing various statements in Twitter and FB, some people believe the scenes depicted in the movie happened. Although, it is stated at the film’s beginning that they are fictional.
I believe that every race has a right to feel proud about themselves, their origins, struggles, achievements and identity.
However, this should be portrayed via real achievements rather than ‘stepping on’ other races.
It is good to see that the response of the Sikh organisations and peoples has been measured but very clear. They highlighted that Sikhs have a strict code of conduct even during times of conflict.
I encourage you to see the movie if you have the opportunity; however, remember, it is not for historical reference but for entertainment.
It can be challenging for minorities to highlight these matters wherever they might be in the world.
We rather these types of issues do not arise in the first place. However, when they do, the right thing needs to be done by highlighting them to minimise the chances of recurrence.
Here, I would just like to share a little story of having to pursue minority rights.
In 2005, the Miri Indian Association wrote a letter to the then newly minted Miri City Mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen, requesting for an Indian Garden in Miri City Fan. There are gardens and features here representing various other communities.
This request was approved. In 2017, the drawings were finalised and tender was awarded. This was the last official communication the association received.
After that, via some causal chatter, we came to know that a council committee had cancelled the Indian Garden.
To date, no official communication has been received by the association. The lack of official stakeholder discussions that had existed in the early stages is now totally absent. Alarming, indeed.
In informal feedback, one councillor stated that he highlighted during a committee meeting that the Indian Garden had been approved by the Full Council and should not be cancelled at a committee level. He alleged he was silenced and not allowed to speak on the matter.
Apparently and allegedly words to the effect that Indians had not contributed anything were also mentioned and therefore by implication not deserving of even a small garden within Miri City Fan.
I am sure people with hidden agendas can come out with a multitude of reasons as to why this Indian Garden has been written off. Apparently, there will be a mere pillar of some sort in its stead.
This is another example of how little napoleons subvert Sarawak’s often-mentioned unity and diversity.
This time an official letter will be sent to the Mayor of Miri City Council requesting that the concept of the Indian Garden be implemented as originally intended. What do you think? Is waiting from 2005 until now reasonable?
This is not smart in an era when we are thumping our chest about being a smart city.
Miri City Council certainly has lost its direction on this specific issue. Cultural diversity, it seems, is lip service to some segments of society.
On the other hand, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg has been a breath of fresh air in across the culturally and racially unique landscape of Sarawak.
He has recognised the contribution of the Indian community as a whole across Sarawak. His narration and knowledge of matters related to the contributions of Indians to Sarawak is indeed vast.
He has backed his words with action by handing over grants worth millions for the construction and maintenance of religious places of worship. This was critical for the various Indian communities because raising such sums of money amongst a small community would have been very difficult.
Recently, Abang Johari also mentioned that he will consider Deepavali to be declared a public holiday.
This type of leadership gives minorities, and I am sure all Sarawakians, the feeling of confidence that Sarawak is a place of peace and stability with a bright future.
While the points mentioned above are not an immediate cause of concern to most, their repeated pattern of behaviour would erode our social fabric and reduce the level of trust.
Negative matters such as this should be nipped in the bud and not allowed to linger on.
Let us pray that sense will always prevail to ensure social justice amongst and between all our communities.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
