Aliran: ‘The good ol’ days’ – really? By Jayanath Appudurai

Have you ever heard older folks talk about the "good old days"? How everything was simpler, better, and more harmonious? While it's a common sentiment, is it really true? In this article, Jayanath Appudurai, a member of the post-World War II generation in Malaysia, takes a closer look at the reality of inter-ethnic relations during the country's formative years. He challenges the notion that Malaysia was always a harmonious society, revealing the complexities and divisions that existed even in those seemingly idyllic times.

'The good ol’ days’ – really? A baby boomer candidly reflects on the real extent of inter-ethnic mingling during Malaysia’s formative years

Picture credits to Aliran.com

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”.

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.

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.