By Kenny Mah

 
KM: Happy Vesak!

CW: I’m sorry but I don’t celebrate Vesak.

KM: That’s not a problem. I meant it as an all-Malaysian greeting. The way I’d say “Merry Christmas” and “Selamat Eid ul-Fitr” or “Blessed Diwali” though I may not be a Christian, Muslim or Hindu. We can share these greetings with all Malaysians; it’s the friendly thing to do.”

CW: I dunno, I never really thought of it like that.

KM: No problem. It’s worth considering though. We are Malaysians. I’m certainly a Malaysian, and proud of it too. I honour and rejoice in all my fellow Malaysians’ festivals and celebrations. I don’t need to share their faith to keep faith with them as my fellow countrymen.”