Pendatang = Chinese

The flavour of the month of October seems to be the term "pendatang" or immigrant. Of course, in Malaysia, it is usually used to refer to non-Malays, specifically the Chinese. I don't know why they reserve this term for the Chinese because many others including many Malays arrived here only a few of generations ago. Does that mean the Chinese have just fallen from 2nd class to immigrant class? or is this a promotion instead? hehehe.

This time round, it's this guy's turn: Chinese still act like ‘pendatang’...

Zainuddin Maidin

We can quote history, argue, and debate till the cows come home as to who came first, and who did what, but the conclusion will always be the same unless you are specific. Firstly, we need to agree on the cut off date as to the point in time our first ancestors arrive in this land. Secondly, we need to be precise in the use of the term itself.

Actually, he is telling the Chinese to assimilate and become a Malay... like him.

Zainuddin Maidin says:

1. “Why do they get so angry when they are called ‘pendatang’ when they themselves have preferred self isolation?” 

- Perhaps it's the same reason why some Indian Muslims get angry when they are called "mamak" and insists that they are categorised as Malays & Bumiputeras. And why are some Malays also get so defendsive when they are also called "pendatang" when they are clearly not? Some people are just sensitive beings.

Do the Chinese Malaysians today isolate themselves? It is nearly impossible to do that because the country is run by Malays. No matter how hard they try, the Chinese will still have to interact with Malays, beginning from the time they are born when their parents have to register their birth certificate with the Malay officer on duty. Or did he mean that the Chinese should live amongst the Malays. Perhaps in Kampung Baru? hehehe. Of course everyone knows the reason why that is not possible. So, who is isolating who again? Perhaps he was referring to their ancestors who rarely interacted with the locals....

2. refusal to learn Bahasa Malaysia

- Actually he is not entirely incorrect on this one. There are indeed some Chinese who absolutely hates Bahasa Melayu. But for the others, they could not possibly escape from learning Bahasa Melayu when it is taught not only in National Schools but also Vernacular Schools? Many may have a poor command of the language, but they are certainly not Bahasa Melayu illiterate. Well, unless he was referring to their ancestors, many of whom were indeed BM illiterate....

It is indeed advisable for the Chinese to really make an effort to improve their Bahasa Melayu. It is the national language after all. Having a good command of BM is not only an essential and beneficial skill, it also allows you to interact better with the Malays. Just as you would interact differently between say, a Japanese, or a Korean, or an Englishman, language plays a big role in building bridges. Don't let pride become a barrier.

3. Chinese in Malaysia still do not have a Malaysian identity

- This is a tricky one, because the last time I checked, nobody has come up an official definition on this Malaysian Identity. I would certainly like to know what this Malaysian Identity that he speaks of looks like. Or perhaps he was referring to Malay identity? Well, technically, the Chinese would need to become Muslims first. Unless, again, he was referring to their ancestors who really did came here with their Chinese customs...

4. Who is building walls and insisting on preserving their ‘pendatang’ identity

- Again, what does a "pendatang" identity look like? or does he mean Chinese identity. Why insist on referring Chinese identity to immigrant identity? Do those who come from other countries also share this Chinese identity?

Anyway, it's kinda hard to give up Chinese New Year and other festivals, mooncakes, ang pows, religious rituals, religion, etc. Firecrackers are an exception though because it looks like the Malays and Indians have taken over the monopoly of setting them off in the middle of the night. hahahah...

Anyway, "Pendatang" simply means immigrant. Technically, most Malaysians are not immigrants because they are born here. Some of their ancestors were more recent immigrants, some came earlier. So, he should have used the term "keturunan pendatang" which means "descendants of immigrants". That way, although some Chinese still won't like it, but at least they have no reason to deny it either. And those Chinese whose ancestors were here before his ancestors would not feel offended.

We do not need to be ashamed about our history. We must remember that it is not easy for a person to leave their place of birth, their home, to start a new life in a foreign land. In unfamiliar surroundings, sometimes even hostile, they had to work hard and sacrificed a lot for their descendants and their new home.

Perhaps everyone should just stop insulting each other's ancestors.
 

As we walk, all of our ancestors walk with us...