By Marina Emmanuel

As I walked around the Little India area in George Town this week to capture the Chinese New Year lanterns, I was reminded of ‘Kongsi Raya’ celebrations from years past.

These events had served as on-point reminders to Malaysians that while we may belong to different cultures and profess different faiths, we always remembered to come together to celebrate our joint heritage.

In this social media age of Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and more where vitriol and anger appear to be spread, it may be timely today to reflect on WHO we really are and what the future holds for us.

For those of us who have lived through the proclaimed era of ‘Merdeka’ to ‘Madani’ (with Bangsa Malaysia, Vision 2020, ‘Islam Hadhari’ 1Malaysia and Keluarga Malaysia in between), it would be apt to take stock of our journey as a nation and to give thanks.

Are we a nation currently divided by race, religion, culture and political philosophy? Or are we a melting pot country which is anchored on pride of our common heritage and richness in diversity?

The five-footway of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in George Town

As cliche as it may sound, we need to delve into our history and roots and rediscover ourselves as a People.

The continued journey to our future as a nation lies in the rich heritage road which our ancestors have paved.

This comes from not only honouring their hard work in nation-building, but to also respect the amount of blood, sweat and tears invested in preserving our environment, whether built or natural heritage.

As politicians and their planners go about mapping the next big development project or allow themselves to be convinced that precious buildings need to be torn down or land reclaimed so we can emerge “bigger”, “better” and “bolder”, perhaps some soul-searching is needed now.

Let us collectively hit that PAUSE button, count our blessings and look to ways of no longer dividing and destroying all that we have built as a community.

In the words of our Peranakan Babas and Nyonyas, ‘Selamat Taon Baru’ or Happy Chinese New Year!

After chasing headlines and bylines for over three decades, Marina Emmanuel now chases island sunrises, sunsets and comments on anything else in between; from George Town in Penang.

Chinese lanterns adorn Little India in George Town – All pix by Marina Emmanuel