‘The good ol’ days’ – really?

A baby boomer candidly reflects on the real extent of inter-ethnic mingling during Malaysia’s formative years

Urban Malaysia in the 1960s - AI-GENERATED IMAGE

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By Jayanath Appudurai

This missive is to my fellow sojourners from the post-World War Two and Merdeka-Malaysia generation.

We are the baby boomers, most of us in our sixties and above. We are getting on, some of us perhaps preparing for our inevitable departure from this planet to wherever it may be!

It is time for us to reflect.

But our conversations tend to revolve around the “good ol’ days” and what a beautiful, harmonious society we grew up in.

Really?

Urban minority

Well, it depends where you were born and where you lived most of your good ol’ growing up days!

If you were from the major towns and graduated from an “English school”, where you had the opportunity to befriend fellow humans of all shades and shapes, then your worldview was probably shaped by that milieu.

Yes, for those who crossed the barriers and made connections, it was indeed a wonderful and harmonious society.

But if you are honest, you will readily admit that only a minority actually crossed the barriers. The majority, even in those good ol’ days, found solace in their ethno-linguistic tribes!

So, to glorify the good ol’ days as inclusive and united is a tad bit disingenuous!

Rural majority

Even if it is true that many of us lived in an idyllic society where the social constructs were immaterial back then, remember, this was only true for at most 20% of society.

In 1957, only 26.5% of the people of this land lived in urban areas and had access to “English schools”.

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Almost 75% lived in rural areas with, at best, access to vernacular or religious schools – or none at all. The worldview of the various groups from the rural strata was way different from those of us in urban areas.

Many did not have the opportunity to experience diversity till they had to enrolled in an “English school”, most probably at the secondary level. Some adapted to the new environment and made friends.

But most did not even do so on enrolment at the tertiary level. University students tended to self-segregate in the same way as society at large.

Generational worldviews

Up to 1975, the English school system arguably provided the opportunity to integrate the various groups, no matter their origin.

Since 1975, with Malay as the medium of instruction in national schools, things began to move along a different trajectory.

Vernacular education, which was on the decline in urban areas, grew more popular.

Post-1979, religious and moral education, which used to be conducted as an ‘extra period’, became an integral part of the curriculum – and more!

The vision of a single medium of instruction to integrate and unify the people began to unravel even before it started!

The net effect is some six generations of our children have been ‘schooled not educated’ in at least five different systems catering to language and faith demands.

The merits or demerits of this ‘campur’ (mixed) systems have been debated ad nauseum and remain contentious with all groups.

Still, the implications for building an inclusive, harmonious society need to be recognised.

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So, my friends, “the good ol’ days”, if ever there was such a period, are only relevant to you – not to the many generations after 1970 who grew up, studied and lived in various bubbles and silos.

The idea of an inclusive society does not gel with many, simply because their lived experiences have no space for “the other”.

It would be foolhardy for our generation to expect a magical transformation back to those “good ol’ days”!

Tribalism trumps humanism

Present demographics point to a higher probability of the evolution of a more ethno-religious society rather than a secular-cosmopolitan one.

Global trends only reinforce this trajectory.

Unfortunately for us in Malaysia and the inhabitants of this Planet, tribalism seems to be gaining ground over humanism.

Perhaps it’s time to look up at the stars and seek solace in the enormous beauty of the Universe.

Jayanath Appudurai belongs to Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM).

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.
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Dato Dr. Bains B.S.
Dato Dr. Bains B.S.
24 Sep 2024 10.46pm

The power to unite or divide a country rests in the practice of secular statesmanship by its leaders and politicians. If their approach is marked by duality and discrimination, the cherished memories of our past will remain out of reach. The vibrant unity and shared experiences of those times will die with the baby boomers. Today, we confront an increasingly fragmented society, with widening gaps between communities, driven by a hidden agenda of supremacy lurking behind the scenes.

Raj
Raj
22 Sep 2024 11.42pm

Beautiful day’s and memories English school

Kal
Kal
22 Sep 2024 2.52pm

dude, what’s wrong with you?
“the good ol’ days”, yes they did exist from the 50s, 60s and perhaps upto late 70s. It wasn’t 100% perfect but it was good and fun. I used to live in a small town. my childhood friends were from NSTP (C)/(T)/(M) &(E). At secondary school students intergrated well, no issues. we wld visit each other’s homes for grp study, chats or are out in the field playing hockey, or fishing at estates ponds and rivers. What a life!

Suzlin N.
22 Sep 2024 8.56am

A great reminder of the complexities of our history. While we cherish the memories of our childhoods, it’s important to recognize the diverse experiences and challenges faced by others. Let’s continue to strive for a more inclusive and harmonious future for all.