Varnam MY
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
Varnam MY
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
Varnam MY
No Result
View All Result
Home Community

#SayaBukanPendatang; A Controversial Tweet Spew Wrath Amongst Fellow Malaysians

“Those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it.” 

by Revathi Durai
July 23, 2021
108
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSend

It’s year 2021, and yes racial discrimination still exists in Malaysia. The ‘Bumiputera’ sentiment has kept its grip on power by ruling the country. 

According to a prominent historian Tan Sri Professor Khoo Kay Kim, ‘PENDATANG’ is a phrase that refers to someone who originates from a different country. It should only pertain to people from other countries, not to people who have lived in Malaysia for a long time and have acquired Malaysian citizenship.

Renowned early 19th century philosopher George Santayana had once said:

“Those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it.” 

Well, I would say it perfectly replicates the current situation. Some good-for-nothing people in this 21st century are still instigating racist remarks.

Whether in the current pandemic or pre-pandemic, the country’s minority students have been the subject of intensified racial discrimination. Present with severe disruptions in their education, limited career opportunities and even little chances of getting a public university placement.

Let’s delve into why the phrase ‘Pendatang’ has made netizens spew their wrath on social media platforms. A few days ago, a Twitter user landed in hot water after her tweet on ‘PENDATANG’ went viral which triggered a heated debate among social media users. 

Image Credit: Kiran Raj Instagram Page

In her tweet, she referred to an Indian student who scored straight A’s in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination but was unable to get a placement in the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) or Bahagian Pengurusan Kemasukan Pelajar IPT (BPKP). 

Unfortunately, Malaysians spew their wrath on social media by criticising the girl’s action on posting such an irrelevant term. 

pendatang this pendatang that but when Lee Chong Wei masuk final Olimpik representing malaysia suddenly anak malaysia pulak

— Aku KEADILAN🇵🇸 (@akukeadilan_) July 18, 2021

Morning pic.twitter.com/hD4UQgf5qW

— Haffiz (@MHaffizJ) July 17, 2021

Youth Member of Parliament Kiran Raj Sathivel and a university student who wished to remain anonymous shared their take on the word deemed controversial, with Varnam. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Kiran Raj was the first who came up with the #SayaBukanPendatag hashtag before ‘The Loud Asians’ started the petition of #PendidikanUntukSemua.

It came as a surprise when Malaysian netizens were so engaged and supported this teen’s perspective with open arms. With more than 3K likes within a few hours, Kiran speaks up against the discrimination and racist terms via his Instagram post. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kiran Raj Sathivel (@kiranraj_2303)

 

Even as many kept silent to appease the majority community, we the (Indian) community have been targeted with racism and xenophobia.

“I don’t understand why some people are still calling the Indians ‘Pendatang.’ We have our Malaysian identity card (NRIC), and our citizenship is Malaysian. Perhaps, this kind of issue should never arise and it clearly shows that our upcoming generation are deeply rooted with racial bias,” said Kiran.

Sarvesha (not her real name) recounted an incident that happened at an early age of 11-12. Hailing from Ladang Ulu Remis Tamil school, her Malay teacher had questioned whether her parents were ‘Pendatang.’ Doesn’t matter if it’s a yes or no, the teacher told her that she should return to India after a few years since that’s her country of origin. 

Being an educator and knowing nuts about Malaysia’s history is just appalling and sad.

Indeed, the sheer number of successful Malaysian Indians are shining light around the world. Such pervasive racial stereotyping is detrimental and needs to be addressed. And what better time to do it than now?

In addition, a popular YouTuber and Social Media Influencer, Arwind Kumar has also spoken out about this current issue which is ongoing in Malaysia. He has indeed given a good explanation of the term ‘Pendatang,’ on his Instagram page. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arwind Kumar (@aforarwind)

Those who would like to know more about our Malaysian history, I would suggest you read the book ‘Racism and Racial Discrimination in Malaysia’. The book was written by Kua Kia Soong from his perspective of the historical and socioeconomic aspects of our Malaysian history. 

It’s important to bear in mind that our words have repercussions, especially when it comes from any social media user. Racial slurs and derogatory statements should be avoided at all costs, especially in public discussions and on social media. 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

Tags: #PendidikanUntukSemua#SayaBukanPendatangarwind kumarIndian CommunityKiran Raj SathivelTan Sri Professor Khoo Kay KimUnit Pusat Universiti (UPU)
Share48Tweet25Send

ADVERTISEMENT

RELATED POST

Brilliant Malaysian Students Selected For Global Undergraduate Exchange Program In The US
Education

Brilliant Malaysian Students Selected For Global Undergraduate Exchange Program In The US

by Nanthini Suresh
August 18, 2022
Indian Heritage Centre By Johor’s Oldest Hindu Temple To Open In October
Community

Indian Heritage Centre By Johor’s Oldest Hindu Temple To Open In October

by Shavitra Rai
August 18, 2022
Family-Friendly Attractions In Klang Valley Worthy Of Your Visit
Community

Family-Friendly Attractions In Klang Valley Worthy Of Your Visit

by Shavitra Rai
August 17, 2022
Sathesh Raj; Let’s Help The Aspiring Astrobiologist Launch His Space Career
Community

Sathesh Raj; Let’s Help The Aspiring Astrobiologist Launch His Space Career

by Revathi Durai
August 17, 2022
Load More

TRENDING TODAY

Brilliant Malaysian Students Selected For Global Undergraduate Exchange Program In The US

Brilliant Malaysian Students Selected For Global Undergraduate Exchange Program In The US

August 18, 2022
Aimin DVL, A Local TikToker Garners Attention For His Splendid Indian Cover Songs

Aimin DVL, A Local TikToker Garners Attention For His Splendid Indian Cover Songs

August 16, 2022
Parvin & Arvind Are Among The Top 24 Finalists Of Mr World Malaysia 2022!

Parvin & Arvind Are Among The Top 24 Finalists Of Mr World Malaysia 2022!

August 19, 2022
Sid Sriram Live in KL Day 2 is ON, Tickets on sale May 13th 11am

Sid Sriram Live in KL Day 2 is ON, Tickets on sale May 13th 11am

May 11, 2022
USM’s Persatuan Kebudayaan India Clinched A Spot In The Malaysia Book of Records

USM’s Persatuan Kebudayaan India Clinched A Spot In The Malaysia Book of Records

August 17, 2022

VARNAM BYTES

Varnam MY is the Malaysian Indian livewire for the latest Malaysian based community news, local celebrity news, interviews, and all things Indian! Join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or right here at Varnam.MY!

Contact us: newsdesk@varnam.my

  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture

© 2022 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more