A few years ago, I had a discussion with an Australian expert on history and politics in the Malay world.
He asked me what I thought about racial relations among the Chinese and the indigenous communities in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Specifically, he asked whether the Chinese in Malaysia is happier than those in Indonesia.
While in Malaysia, the Chinese community is able to run their own schools, media, religious institutions, political associations and parties and maintain their identity, in Indonesia they had to fully assimilate, give up their Chinese names, culture and at times even their religion.
He argued that it appears the Chinese community that has largely assimilated and become part of Indonesian society is happier and better adjusted than those that are given their rights and ability to maintain their identity in Malaysia.
While the claim need to be tested, it does indicate how the Malays could have demanded full assimilation for better race relations among the communities.
Instead, they try to accommodate other communities, even if some of them may not appreciate the accommodation
Source: Zulfikar Shariff
