The songkok

By Bob Yong
15th June 2008

Wearing the songkok, whether it is at the private or public functions has nothing to do with the race or religion of the wearer. For the assemblymen, wearing the songkok besides showing a mark of respect to the Sultan is also a way to demonstrate unity among Malaysians, especially those elected to hold high offices in the government.

We are what we are. Any outfit we daunt does not change the color of our skin or betray the religion we embrace. It is hypocritical to believe that the attire and headgear one wears will make the difference in you. Neither does any fashionable outfit can change your ethnic group you belong to.

When one speaks English language, it does not make you English. Similarly, wearing saree does not make you an Indian. It will be a shame only if you forget your roots. Any outfit and headgear we wear is a matter of individual choice, comfort, convenience, necessity and perhaps adaptability in a country we live in.

Newspaper reported that a Malay father sends out Chinese-style invitation cards to his Chinese guests for the occasion of his daughter’s wedding. Most commendable is the married couple who are Malay would take their wedding photos wearing traditional costume of the Chinese, Indian, Korean and Japanese.

Are there better ways to call ourselves Malaysians?