Written by Laila Hairani Abdullah Sanggura

We are Malaysians

Diversity is in our midst

With varied cultures, colour, and creed

None came with our choosing

So, why do we face discrimination because of all these?

Why do we overgeneralise the Malays?

Why do we stereotype the Chinese?

Why do we name-call the Indians?

All of these will sow the seeds of distrust

All of these will breed fear and factions

All of these will bring a scourge of hatred

Threatening the fabric of our co-existence

Why can’t we see the human side in all of us?

Why can’t we move on and believe in humanity?

Why can’t our diversity complement each other?

Like nasi lemak, char koay teow and roti canai

There is variety in our array of dishes

There are various talents in our midst

We had the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee

We have the iconic Datuk Lee Chong Wei

We have the eminent Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Let us stand united as one nation

Celebrating our differences

Unity in diversity for one goal

Building our beloved country as Malaysians

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Cover image by Ravin Rau on Unsplash. The copyright of ‘Overriding Stereotypes’ belongs to Laila Hairani Abdullah Sanggura.

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