A Symphony Of Unity In A Single Month

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- This February, Malaysia’s diversity was not just spoken of - it was seen and felt, as Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and the approach of Ramadan unfolded almost side by side in a rare convergence of faith, culture and unity.

If the calendar were a canvas, this month would stand out as one of its most vibrant portraits - a meeting of colour, culture and spiritual devotion that underscores a harmony long rooted in the country’s diversity.

The sequence began with the fervour of Thaipusam on Feb 1. Even before its echoes faded, streets were already awash in red for Chinese New Year on Feb 17. Barely two days later, Ramadan was expected to begin on Feb 19, ushering in a month of reflection and restraint.

The harmony was visible in the simplest of places - supermarket aisles. Baskets of mandarin oranges stood beside stacks of dates, a quiet yet powerful symbol of shared celebration across races and religions.

For fruit seller Muhammad Arif Erman, 23, from Taman Desa Setapak here, February has been one of the busiest months in his business.

“This month, the demand has been extraordinary,” he said, noting how Indian and Malay customers were buying boxes of mandarin oranges, many as gifts for their Chinese friends.

“Most of them are buying the oranges to give to others,” he told Bernama.

Beyond brisk sales, Muhammad Arif observed something deeper.

“On the ground, the spirit of unity is much more genuine than what we often see on social media,” he said.

Customers have even asked in advance about changes to his operating hours during Hari Raya and early Ramadan, aware that adjustments would be needed.

Situated within a mixed community of Malays, Chinese and Indians, his shop has become more than a place of business - it is a daily meeting point of quiet harmony.

Within just 28 days, Malaysians are witnessing what can only be described as a rare “symphony of harmony”. For mixed families, it also means careful planning, balancing reunion dinners with preparations for Ramadan.

For Nur Liyana Abdullah, 66, formerly Lee Kim Bee, Chinese New Year this year carries special meaning. A Muslim convert, she continues to honour her heritage while embracing her faith.

Since hosting reunion dinners at her home in 2018, the mother of five has made harmony her priority at the dining table.

“In the past, we celebrated at my mother’s house, but my family could not eat the food prepared because of halal considerations. Now, my sister helps cook Chinese dishes such as nán rǔ cū zhāi (vegetable soup) and steamed ginger chicken, while I prepare rendang and sambal udang petai,” she said.

She also looks forward to fasting during Ramadan and to visiting the lively Ramadan bazaars, an experience her non-Muslim friends eagerly anticipate to share in the atmosphere of togetherness.

Meanwhile, entrepreneur M. Gunawathy, 40, described this year’s Thaipusam celebration as particularly moving.

Seeing members of the Malay community witnessing the procession, she said, was a powerful reminder of unity in action.

“This is the best example for the next generation, especially our children. They will follow what we do today. We must eliminate racial barriers and ego among the races in Malaysia,” she said.

– BERNAMA