The Chinese-Malay Affair

Okey la since I am quite free today, let share the story about how I was asked to wear 'tudung' for my Muslim Card. No offend ya. This is just a sharing, so that I hope it won't happen to others, especially the new comer like me.

So there was this day I went to one of the Islamic office to register as new comer. After registration, I was asked to meet an officer to choose a new name. That was the moment where we (my husband and I) had an argument with the officer about the name we had chosen long ago. (See my previous post) I was a little upset with the way the officer trying to convince us that "Jessenia" is not a Muslim name. Sorry to name is as rude.  He did Google the name on the spot but sad to say he's insisting that the name cannot be used as it is a Spanish name. Well one name can be used by different country right? It is also stated "Jessenia" is an Arabic name and mainly used by the Muslim. Sigh~ For me, whatever it is, it's just a name. What most important is my heart to the religion, not the name.

Back to the topic I wanna share about the wearing "tudung" (headscarf) story...

Okey done with the name changing. I was asked to go another section to take photo for my Muslim card. At the counter, I greeted the lady with "Assalamualaikum...", without answering me she passed me a "tudung" and asked me to wear. Honestly, I didn't know how to wear the tudung. Without asking more, I took the tudung and tried to wear it. Since it is just a plain scarf (not the one main sarung saja), I just simply put it on, slung the tips crossing each other on my shoulders. No mirror is provided so I didn't know how do I look like or whether am wearing it correctly. So when I thought I am ready to take photo, the lady again said "Eh..pakai la tudung tu baik-baik sikit. Rambut you tu, jangan bagi keluar. Pakai tudung pun tak reti macam mana nak jadi saudara baru." Again I keep quiet. I was so frustrated at that time, I really wish she will lend me a hand to put on the tudung nicely. Instead of helping me, she just stood at one side looking at me, with her restless look. Until today I am so sad when thinking about it again. Though I was hurt with the way I was treated but that's doesn't mean I hate the Malays or Muslims. These people are just the minority cause I have met many nice Malay friends and they are so helpful too. :) Again, it's just a sharing, hope no one get offended k..^^

Well, to share another story...

I have few friends were in relationship with Malay guys. Just take one as example. Been together for 5-6 years, but end of the day my friend need to choose between family and love. Since she is born in a strong belief in Christianity, she got no choice but to let go her love. Trust me. They were in pain now. This is very sad. They were letting go not because there's no more love, but not to hurt. It was unfair isn't it? Will this and the cultural differences make it less likely for many out there to survive as a couple?Who should get the blame? NOBODY. Cause love is never wrong, just us the human.

The fundamentals of love are romance, companionship, understanding and support. You have to believe these cross cultural boundaries, if you really believe in true love. Have a pleasant day all. Merry Merry Christmas!