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All I want is a Christmas tree to light up Malaysia

The tree can represent dignity and solidarity in diversity, which can transform Malaysia into a haven for inclusivity, progress and stability

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One of the aspects that would bring positive transformation to a nation is the ability of its society to transcend from half-truths to full truth in addressing issues that affect the nation.

The full truth resides in the ability to embrace the beauty of wholeness by rejecting half-truths that divide and isolate society.

Today, we see half-truths in the speeches of politicians and half-truths in global politics, and this is one of the reasons why war, terrorism and poverty remain unresolved in the world.

Take the example of a Christmas tree.

Having attended my cousin’s wedding in Kuala Lumpur, my family and I made a trip to Suria KLCC for a little sightseeing.

At the KLCC mall, a well-decorated giant Christmas tree there was a noticeable attraction among the multi-ethnic shoppers and visitors, many of whom were snapping photos.

What made the Christmas tree attractive was its beauty as a whole, the sum of its parts. If the Christmas tree had no lights on and no other decorative items around it, it would only reveal half-truths about the tree.

But when it was fully decorated, showing its entire beauty, it drew the crowds, irrespective of ethnicity and religion.

This stood in sharp in contrast to a similar giant Christmas tree that I saw in a mall in my hometown Ipoh. It was not adequately decorated and thus, did not draw the crowds.

Unique beauty

Today in Malaysia, partly decorated politicians strive to propagate half-truths and prejudice about other ethnic communities without understanding the value and beauty of a nation’s tree that is made up of diverse races.

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It is the diverse decorations of the Christmas tree that give it its unique beauty. This whole decorative beauty of the tree in its entirety symbolises the importance of transcending petty and regressive ethno-religiosity.

The tree can represent dignity and solidarity in diversity, which can transform Malaysia into a haven for inclusivity, progress and stability.

Malaysia needs more symbols of enlightened diversity, as portrayed by the diverse decorations of the Christmas tree. – Malaysiakini

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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