Lessons from the land below the wind

AS a West Malaysian living in Sabah, I was significantly more aware of Malaysia Day this year. It was hard not to, given talk surrounding the day's history throughout the month.
Since the beginning, it's been a complicated relationship for East and West Malaysia. History books seem to have only skimmed the surface of the dynamic we share. In my naivete, I thought everything came together under the wholesome banner of Malaysia Day.
Little did I know that so many stones had been left half-turned. A recurring example is Project IC, a tag given in reference to the alleged distribution of MyKad to immigrants in Sabah. Questions have arisen over the legality of the exercise, reportedly beginning in the 1990s, and its intended purpose.
Project IC is a hot subject, and once again resurfaced with force over the past month across traditional and social media platforms.
And we all know the power of the media. What we read in newspapers or watched on our phone screens often become lively chats during mamak sessions or family dinners.
I'd often talked about Project IC with friends in years past, but it was refreshing to hear a Sabahan perspective on the issue. It's different seeing an issue from afar, and living through it.
The several Sabahans I spoke to said growing up alongside a gradual influx of people who looked and sounded different from them was not something they really questioned until more recently.
They've now realised that events of the past did indeed affect their lives and some cannot help but feel a sense of betrayal if indeed the allegations are true. However, they also acknowledged the decades of assimilation that has since occurred.
It was therefore a surprise for me to realise that bitter or angry are not words I would use to describe the sentiments of the Sabahans I spoke to. Neither is it complacency or a careless attitude; instead, it's a quiet grace lined with forgiveness and hope.
My Sabahan friends remind me that we cannot undo the past, and the same goes with Project IC. They desire greatly to right any wrongs done but not through malice or hatred. Instead, they have determined that circumstances will not define how they choose to live.
Here in Sabah, they have lived and continue to live through Project IC. If anything was taken from them, they worked through it and came out stronger. As a people, they're resilient, hardworking, inclusive and love their homeland.
It's a lesson we can learn. I certainly am not speaking for all West Malaysians, but I know I can speak for some. For many years, we've been taught to focus on issues and play the blame game. We've been drawn into social conversations that divide more than unite.
We often get caught up digging the past and pointing fingers that we lose sight of the fact that it has happened. Stoking controversy without offering viable solutions leads nowhere.
In no way do I wish to dilute the suffering and pain that may have resulted from poor choices in the past. In fact, our awareness of such events ought to stir in us a greater resolve to find solutions that will positively build all communities impacted.
The goal must always be restoration. If we focus on tearing each other down, we will only find ourselves a weakened society. While there is still so much more to be done in our quest for justice, there are lessons to be learnt from the land below the wind.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com