Both cities have been listed as the latest world heritage sites. Many will question the above mentioned selections as both george town and malacca town are not exactly a great city to begin with. What they lack in architectural brilliance is however fully compensated by the cultural heritage left behind by various settlers. The rich racial composition in both towns are the key here. Both are places where various races had lived together harmoniously for centuries. In Malacca town for example, a hindu temple is built next to a mosque and further down the road you will see a buddhist temple. The St. Paul church is also situated on top of the hilltop and the well built by admiral Zheng He is directly at the foot of the hill. Another example is the location of the muslim cemetary ground in between old chinese shop lots.
All this are classic examples of racial harmony and mutual respect we have for each other. Time had proven that we can co-exist! This highly commendable racial tolerance had been here for ages to begin with. During the portuguese rule, no one was forced to convert to christianity and other religions are allowed to flourish. The same applies during the dutch and english rule. What went wrong today? Many are now arguing that places of worship shouldn't be built too near to each other for fear of confrontation. Temples and churches are demolished without taking into account the sensitivity it may cause. Why are we constantly reminded of our differences instead of our common traits?
Education had failed miserably here, the government may blame it squarely on chinese and tamil vernacular schools but what about MARA and UiTM where the percentage of non-bumis are at best limited. Why this double standard? If you want racial integration why there are two systems in Matrikulation and STPM? Why stress on our difference when we are actually common in many things? However this should not take the shine away from penangites and malaccans, congratulations.
PS: when will be KL's turn?
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