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TABLE COVER STORY NEW MEDIA’S VITAL ROLE IN ADVANCING UNITY AND DIVERSITY LEGAL DIGITAL MISINFORMATION: FACT-CHECK BEFORE SHARING HIGHLIGHT THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FEATURE SOCIAL MEDIA: BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE GAP FIGURE “ALLEYCATS IS A BRAND FOR UNITY” – DATO’ DAVID ARUMUGAM INFLUENCER FROM SELF-PROMOTION TO SELFLESS PROMOTION: USING INFLUENCE FOR GOOD CULTURE REVEALING THE ARTISTRY OF DUSUN LABUK TRADITIONAL GARMENTS LITERATURE ENGLISH PROVERBS OF CONTENT 12 8 18 22 24 26 30 4 3
MALAYSIA FOCUS 4 A multi-ethnic, muti-culture and multi-religious society is undoubtedly a challenge to most countries, specifically in managing social pluralism. Moreover, the greater the degree of pluralism in a society, the greater is the need for unity to manage it. The challenge thus is inevitable, especially in creating the harmony and positive interaction between the races, cultures and religions. In the age of technology, new media play an important role in cultivating the spirit of unity and in sustaining peace amongst the people. According to Datuk Prof. Dr. Ismail bin Sualman, lecturer from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, new media including the social media and other digital platforms have an crucial role in strengthening racial integration in Malaysia. “Providing accurate information objectively, the new media can bring about an awareness in the society on the significance of racial unity in the country. “New media can help uplift mutual respect amongst the different races and encourage members of the society to appreciate cultural differences by providing contents which expounds the way of life, culture and values of the various ethnic groups in Malaysia. As a result, this can help overcome stereotyping and prejudice”, he enlightened. Dr. Ismail added that the new media can also become theplatform to promote activities and projects undertaken by organisations and government bodies in reinforcing racial unity. In promoting such activities, the new media can contribute to enhancing awareness and drawing more involvements from the public to forge racial unity. “In addition, the new media have a role to encourage dialogues and intellectual discourse amongst members of the multiracial society in Malaysia. Through these platforms, the new media can act as a catalyst for the public to talk and discuss issues related to racial integration, whileexploring the best solutions to overcome any issue”, he further said. NEW MEDIA’S VITAL ROLE IN ADVANCING UNITY AND DIVERSITY 4
5 COVER STORY Activities and events on the new media enable the public to meet with people from different backgrounds. At the same time, they become the platforms for connecting the people while encouraging interaction and cooperation. On the technological advancement in a borderless world where people are free to access almost anything, Dr. Ismail believes that this could pose a threat to national unity. This is even more so if the dissemination of information triggered a provocation. “Social media could accelerate and exaggerate the transmission of propaganda messages that would cause confusion and infuse disturbance in the community. Such propaganda may influence the attitudes and perspectives of the people towards the different groups. Over time, this would worsen the situation and consequently adversely affect interracial relationship”, he emphasised. Extreme and severe comments on social media such as hate speeches and discriminatory statements could trigger racial tension and conflict. “Extremism on social media can greatly impact inter-racial relationship. Extremist groups can use the social media as their platform to incite hatred and ruin the relationship of the people. This might aggravate the situation and deepen thealready-existing between the races”, he explained. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals use the current technology responsibly and select factual information that is devoid of hazardous and inciting misinformation. “When used appropriately, technological progress can help promote racial awareness and tolerance as well as enhance the bonds of national unity”, he addressed. The government’s role is crucial in helping the populace adopt social media usage ethics in the context of fostering unity in the digital age. This includes the creation of precise, stringent rules and regulations on the use of social media. 5
MALAYSIA FOCUS 6 The rules list materials that are prohibited from sharing, including those that promote violence, aggressive behaviour or hate speech. In addition, it must establish restrictions on areas like user privacy and personal data. “The government can lessen the detrimental effects of social media usage by enforcing laws against violations committed through social media. In the long run, this can contribute to creating a safer and better online environment while preserving national stability and unity”, he clarified. Meanwhile, Dr. Ismail made some recommendations for what people should do to promote racial harmony. Among other things, by upholding open lines of communication, respecting one another’s viewpoints, and taking part in social and cultural activities. “Every individual has his/her own unique traditions and beliefs. These distinctions must be cherished and incorporated into our way of life. “Collectively, we must condemn all forms of prejudice and hate speech in our culture. Regardless of one’s ethnicity, religion, or culture, we must strive for fairness and equality for everyone. “It’s crucial to use social media wisely and responsibly. Be cautious in choosing the information to be shared in order to avoid upsetting the peace in the community”, he concluded. 6
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MALAYSIA FOCUS 8 DIGITAL MISINFORMATION: FACT-CHECK BEFORE SHARING Fake news has become a pervasive problem in today’s digital age, and its impact on peace cannot be understated. Just when the world is grappling with COVID-19 as well as an economic recession, a new form of pandemic emerges which is the spread of fake news. The term “fake news” can be defined as news that is intentionally and verifiably false, designed to manipulate people’s perceptions of real facts, events, and statements. “Fake news may seem new, but the platform used is the only new thing about it. Propaganda has been around for centuries, and the internet is only the latest means of communication to be abused to spread lies and misinformation”, expressed Dr. Mahyuddin Daud, Associate Professor from Faculty of Law, International Islamic University Malaysia. Reliance on social media as a primary source of information may lead to a rampant spread of misinformation and false information in the long term. Digital revolution has led to millions of websites being set up to disseminate information and news, which could raise curiosity about the authenticity of suchinformation/ news. Verily, it is hard to control the borderless cyber world. There are neither editors nor gatekeepers who would be responsible for screening the contents of the message being disseminated to ensure that the information is correct and ethical. “The overwhelming usage of social media as a source of information has led to the rise of unverified information due to the nature of information and the control mechanism over such information that is shared on these media”, he addressed. Citing a report by Communication & Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM), its chairman, Muhammad Radzillah Abdullah, proclaimed that consumers must know and be aware about their responsibilities when they want to know or convey news via social media. “The term ‘borderless world’ requires social media consumer awareness to be wiser in selecting any particular source so that the information or news will be more beneficial and appropriate for the receivers”, he clarified. 8
9 The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has addressed the top five most prevalent fake news issues on Sebenarnya.my. The first on the list is governance, which includes fake news related to government programs, benefits, and impersonation of government agencies. The second and third categories are crime and health, respectively, with examples such as scams, abductions, and pandemic-related fake news. Coming fourth is consumerism, which includes issues related to halal products, food contamination, and unregistered products. The fifth category is security, which includes issues related to illegal immigration and the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO). 1 2 3 4 5 FACT-CHECK BEFORE SHARING While social media usage is expansive, the advantages of a democratic country must be leveraged upon as best as possible, so that it does not create problems and regrets in the future. Thus, it underscores the importance of managing attitude and emotion when expressing, informing or issuing any statement on social media, where false information can spread rapidly. THE TOP FIVE FAKE NEWS TOPIC LEGAL 9
MALAYSIA FOCUS 10 The Ministry of Communications and Digital Malaysia and the MCMC have launched a web portal known as ‘Sebenarnya.my’ in March 2017. “The initiative could be considered as proactive where the government plays its educational role to ensure netizens receive genuine content. Other governments such as the United Kingdom and Germany have similarly introduced websites to monitor and clarify any reported false information on social media that concerns their administrations”, detailed Dr. Mahyuddin. The MCMC has also taken an advanced step to curb dissemination of false content online through online advisory warnings, especially Consider the pictures or the video – An article with fake news usually contains manipulated images or video. At times, the picture may be genuine but has been included out of context. Section 211 and 233 are two sections of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in Malaysia that deal with offenses related to the misuse of network facilities and services. Section 211: This section deals with the offense of creating, publishing, or disseminating any content that is obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person. The offense is punishable by a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Section 233: This section deals with the offense of improper use of network facilities or network service. It covers a wide range of offenses, including the transmission of offensive or menacing content, the unauthorized access to computer material, and the unauthorized interception of communications. The offense is punishable by a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Both Section 211 and 233 are often used to prosecute individuals who spread fake news or engage in online harassment or cyberbullying. However, there is also concern that these sections could be used to stifle free speech and suppress dissent. Hence, it is crucial to strike a balance between combating online offenses and protecting freedom of expression. towards group administrators of mobile apps such as WhatsApp. “The best technical measure to prevent the spread of false content which a WhatsApp group admin may do is to delete any false or illegal content communicated by his group members. This may also be a self-regulatory instrument designed by WhatsApp to empower users to prevent false content from circulating further, which is a timely effort”, he further explained. 10 INITIATIVES TO REGULATE FALSE CONTENT WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
11 WAYS TO IDENTIFY 5 FAKE NEWS 02 01 03 04 05 Check for source or evidence – Ensure that the article is written by a reliable source and has a reputation for publishing accurate facts. Read through the headline – If it is a provocative headline which captures your attention, read further into the contents before deciding to share such information with other people. Consider the pictures or the video – An article with fake news usually contains manipulated images or video. At times, the picture may be genuine but has been included out of context. Check the date – An article with fake news is likely to contain illogical timeline, or date of event that has been modified. Look for other reports – If there is no other source for that particular news, it is highly likely that the news is fake. How Does Sebenarnya.my Curbs The Spread of Fake News Sebenarnya.my portal offers two C’s namely: Check – to check any content received which has not been authenticated or verified Channel – to share any unascertained news with Sebenarnya.my portal for MCMC to establish its authenticity with the relevant agencies whose issues are under their purview 11
MALAYSIA FOCUS 12 THE UNSUNG HEROES WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND SMART commander, Mohd Khairul Jamil, who has been directly involved in the mission, said in an interview that they had less than 24 hours to prepare the equipment and supplies before making their way to Turkiye. The singing of Negaraku broke the silence in Gaziantep, signalling the start of the morning by the commanders. Such was the daily routine of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) members throughout the search and rescue operation in Turkiye in February. The experience of being on a mission abroad, and in particular being personally involved in the earthquake search and rescue effort in southern Turkiye, has given the national rescue team a profound sense of purpose. Malaysia is one of the first foreign teams to arrive in Turkiye as a show of support for the victims of the disaster which has claimed more than 40,000 lives.
13 HIGHLIGHT As a result of the good coordination, Malaysia managed to send the first SMART team, MAS-01, comprising a medical team from the Royal Medical Corps, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department’s K9 Unit, and a hazardous chemical materials special team that departed for Istanbul on a Turkish Alirlines flight, fully funded by the Turkish government under its president Tayyip Erdogan. The 70-person MAS-01 team was briefed upon arrival in Istanbul and boarded at Adana airport en route to Gaziantep, 1,146 kilometers from the Turkish capital. The Malaysian rescue team was placed at several locations, mainly in Nurdagi. Setting a base at Nurdagi stadium, the Malaysian team was the second group to arrive after Qatar. Stillness clouded the team members upon the sight of the rubble and debris from the buildings that have collapsed in such a huge area. The sounds of children crying for their mothers and calling for help made the situation even more unsettling. Turkish local authorities directed the organisation and actions of search and rescue operations. Each team was divided into several smaller units according to different purposes and needs. Apart from labouring in the bitter cold, Khairul experienced difficulties with logistics and challenges like aftershocks, which made the experience truly unforgettable. “The tragic incident involved digging up a child’s body at ground SITUATION AT GROUND ZERO zero. Looking at the faces of family members who were hoping for positive news was really heartbreaking”. He asserted that the team had to carry on in a professional manner despite the fact that the circumstances at the search and rescue area had put their emotions to the test. “We had to cast aside such emotions in order to carry out our duties as a professional rescue squad. “Rescue operations must continue until those identified in each location are found, to ensure that the operation can save lives”, he added. Nurdagi, in the Gazientep district, was one of the hardest-hit areas after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake destroyed most buildings.
MALAYSIA FOCUS 14 A family of five who had been buried under the rubble of the building they stayed in for six days was finally rescued thanks to the perseverance and efforts of the team excavating the tunnel at the impacted areas. According to Khairul, all five victims who were saved had held on to their lives for 129 hours before the MAS-01 squad discovered them. “They were all found in a sevenstorey building in Nurdagi, Gaziantep, during a search and rescue operation. They were successfully rescued after the MAS-01 team dug an 8.5 metre tunnel in the area”, he said. The search and rescue operation in Turkey was the first overseas mission since receiving approval from the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) in 2016. This recognition allowed the team to be dispatched as part of a foreign mission. With such recognition, the team no longer relied on the disasterstricken country for all its facilities and equipment, and acted independently without joining other elite units. Malaysia and Singapore are the only two countries in Southeast Asia with heavy urban search and rescue (USAR) units that can participate in overseas disaster relief operations. SMART is a rescue force under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and involves three major agencies namely Royal Malaysia Police (PRDM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM). Founded in 1994, SMART is constantly ready to provide competent and world-class service, especially in disaster relief operations. THE MOMENT OF SAVING THE VICTIMS INSARAG RECOGNITION THE EMERGENCE OF SMART He added that the rescue team would send a safety officer into the collapsed building to assess the risks before making a rescue path based on international rescue standards.
15 Khairul said the Malaysian team’s success in rescuing the surviving victims is a testament to the country’s special expertise in search and rescue operations. Drawing on his 16 years of experience in the Fire and Rescue Department, he emphasised that aspects of planning and implementation at disaster sites must be well coordinated. In addition, unity and solidarity among team members is also important to motivate and foster patriotism for the nation. MALAYSIA IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD “We are the face of Malaysia. I always tell my team members to bring the country’s name as good as possible and to carry out the duties without expecting anything in return. “My advice to the younger generation is to set a clear direction in life. We are grateful that we were born in this land where we can live in peace. Let us strengthen the patriotism within us and open our hearts to help those in need”, he concluded. I’m so proud of our team who have shown extraordinary capability, making extraordinary sacrifices. On behalf of all Malaysians, I would like to convey our appreciation to all Malaysian teams involved in the mission. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim “ “ The rescue squad was formed in the wake of the Highland Towers collapse in 1993, in Ulu Klang, Kuala Lumpur. Following that, the government took the view that a special team was necessary to address such critical situations classified as disasters.
MALAYSIA FOCUS 16 Malaysia’s beautiful… and you know it! The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most unique places to visit in Malaysia. Said to be amongst the largest and most beautiful temples in all of Southeast Asia, this temple is known for the intricate carvings in its interiors, and is home to opulent temple halls, pagodas as well as stunning archways. Location: Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang Located in the Semporna Archipelago, this beautiful city of the same name is one of the most tranquil, beautiful and unique places to visit in Malaysia. Attracting tourists from all over the world, Semporna retains the old-world charm of a small city, with busy roads, vibrant markets and friendly locals. Location: Sabah Another one of the unique places to visit in Malaysia is the Sasaran Sky Mirror. Also known as Salar de Uyuni, the Sky Mirror is located off the coast of the Jeram Fishing Village. One can enjoy the perfect views at the Sasaran Sky Mirror twice a month, during the new moon and full moon. Location: Kuala Selangor, Selangor Looking for offbeat places to visit in Malaysia? Head to the exuberant Belum Rainforest during your Malaysian holiday. Said to have existed for over 130 million years, the Belum Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the whole world. Location: Gerik,Perak Located in Terengganu, the Chemorong Forest Reserve is one of the most beautiful natural attractions and one of the hidden gems in Malaysia. Quite unexplored and unspoilt, the forest reserve is home to stunning pools as well as crystal clear rivers, along with lush greenery and a serene ambience. Location: Chemerong, Terengganu 16
17 Located an hour’s drive from the famous tourist destination of Kuala Lumpur, Sekinchan is one of the unique places to visit in Malaysia if you wish to explore the lush countryside of Malaysia. This fishing village is sure to transport you back to the times gone by, and offer you a relaxing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city. Location: Sekinchan, Selangor Known as the largest man-made lake in all of South East Asia, the Kenyir Lake is also one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia. Surrounding over 300 stunning islands, the lake connects around 30 rivers and 25 waterfalls, and is home to almost 25 different species of fishes. Location: Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu Located off the western coast of Sabah in the Kimanis Bay, Tiga Island, also known as Pulau Tiga, is a group of small uninhabited islands in Malaysia. Dating back to 1897, the islands were formed due to a volcanic eruption near Borneo. And this is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia. Location: Sabah Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia. Located in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, this national park is home to Mount Mulu, which is the second tallest mountain in the region. Location: Sarawak The Banjaran Hot Springs are amongst the top unique places to visit in Malaysia. Located a short distance from Ipoh, these hot springs are tucked amidst magnificent limestone hills that are over 250 million years old, pristine waterfalls and verdant tropical rainforests. Location: Ipoh, Perak 17
MALAYSIA FOCUS 18 The more we use social media, the less disengaged we are in real life. Or so some people say. Thankfully, we have academic research to prove that social media has been providing more social benefits far more than the opposing effects. Of course, social platforms still offer some burning discussions these days - be it from being utilised as a form of communication, a key method of conducting business, a moving news platform, or even as a learning tool for students. Even for most corporate and government sectors these days, they have been using social media marketing to the benefits of their business, especially in the field of marketing to advertise and promote their personal brands and products. Yet again, as for the most popular choice, social media is also used by people to communicate with and form new relationships with people in their lives. Whether we like it or not, these platforms are quickly replacing other kinds of communication in our daily lives. Similar trends can be seen in social media use in Malaysia, as the country’s media environment has become increasingly digital and consumers may access the information they need by simply pressing a few buttons. SOCIAL MEDIA - BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE GAP
19 FEATURE THE FACTS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Social media by itself is not destructive or harmful; rather, how it is used determines whether it has positive or bad impacts. For one, cultural differences. There is no doubt that cultural diversity affects how people view themselves and others as well as how they portray themselves on social platforms. We do not have to go far to have an interesting example of this. Think of how the audience works in both Peninsular and East Malaysia on Instagram, for example. When an Instagram user from Peninsular Malaysia wants to develop their flair for a particular language in Sarawak, then the user can follow accounts that offer language learning, for free! The convenience of accounts on Instagram that are readily available for someone to learn a new language is abundant, and easily accessible. There is no need to hire a teacher or a tutor just to get access to this new language, rather by engaging the right accounts on their preferred social platform would offer a new horizon of learning. Better yet, if they want to go the extra mile, leaving comments and messages on these accounts would likely open up a community for them to kick start their learning journey and eventually help them to practice using the new language itself. Additionally, the cultural background of an individual is important because social, economic, racial, linguistic, and spiritual differences can lead to cultural strife and unbalanced personalities. Learning about people’s cultural identities and the traits that go along with it is generally significant and will help communities become stable. Examining modern life reveals that the media stands out as a very powerful platform that has shaped our worldview, manner of thought, and set of values. Nowadays, the media is more than just a channel for communication; it is a potent tool for influencing society. Without a question, the media now plays a significant role in the process of acculturation. A new culture that is distinct from the culture of the traditional society that is based on customs and traditions has resulted from modern technological development.
MALAYSIA FOCUS 20 MOVING TOWARDS VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES These new virtual areas of interaction are the result of technological developments, which are represented in social networks that have transformed reality into circles full of daily developments. Hence, social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have evidently played a crucial part in social and human relations as well as the quick transmission of news, text messages, video clips, and other information relevant to a person’s everyday life. These networks serve as venues for developing one’s personal identity and putting oneself out there. With the self-portraits they post on their personal pages or by telling the events of theireveryday lives, users of these platforms can see into the subjective worlds of others. 20
21 MOVING TOWARDS VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES Thus, by understanding the opportunities and engagements that are accessible through these social platforms, comes the bigger component of it, known as “virtual communities”, simply brings up the notion as a “group of people who share common interests, and are not necessarily bound by geographic boundaries, ethnic, tribal, political, or religious ties, interacting through social networking sites”. They are social groupings that arise from the network, where enough people continue their discussions in public for a sufficient amount of time with enough human feelings to form networks of personal relationships in cyberspace. Collectively in Malaysia - we are starting to have niche accounts focusing on mostly language and cultural themes. The account, @arieffyong on Instagram, was one of the earliest accounts that started humorous but educational content focusing on language barriers and slangs between English native speakers versus our local Malaysian English speakers. We also have another infamous one, @zackkirana that talks about the importance of using the right spelling for Bahasa Malaysia which on Youtube, you can find Daphne Iking channel, sharing the beauty of Sabahan culture, landscape and unique language variety. Whereas on Twitter, we can always follow by the hashtag of #TIL and filter by your demographic to gather new things that you can easily learn from other users on the platform. As someone who is always fascinated by language works and how it assimilates into the cultural usage, the last few years have provided me quite a scene on our current social platforms to just observe and look at the concept of language through a new perspective. If there is one thing I would like to just advise people to do is to keep exploring the different cultures and people that we have locally. If you cannot start physically, then start discovering all the other users that are offering content of the community that you would like to know about, be it on any platforms that you prefer to be on. You would not know anything until you give it a try - explore new places, meet new people, talk to people you would never have talked to. The amount of things that you can learn from other people by stepping out of your comfort zone is just immeasurable. It is going to make you a better person by becoming more understanding and more loving to everybody around you - regardless of what culture or where they come from in the world. And who knows, it might even unite our hearts. 21
MALAYSIA FOCUS 22 “ALLEYCATS IS A BRAND FOR UNITY” – DATO’ DAVID ARUMUGAM The author talked to Dato’ David Arumugam about his influences – from his soulful voice, powerful stage presence and of course – his legacy that lives on through his music and the impact he made on the community. Dato’ Thiagarajan K.R. Arumugam, known by his stage name David Arumugam, is a Malaysian musician and singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the popular band Alleycats. David started his music career in the 1970s, performing in various bands before forming Alleycats in 1978 with his late brother Loganathan Arumugam and several other musicians. The band quickly gained popularity in Malaysia and Singapore, becoming one of the most successful bands of the 1980s and 1990s. Their performances have been wellreceived by audiences across Malaysia, and they have been praised for their efforts to promote intercultural understanding and unity. David revealed during the interview that his mother was the first person who inspired him to make music. “She was a Tamil classical carnatic artist who used to sing for RTM. As a young boy, I used to follow her to the shows. She, along with my late brother, Dato’ Loga, were the ones who inspired me to pursue a career in music. My brother and I were great followers of the Beatles, which motivated us to form a group”, he said. It is evident that the music industry has undergone a revolution in recent years, thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. For David himself, he personally feels that the Internet has changed the way music is distributed. “Formerly, we used to go to stores, malls or music shops to buy cassettes and CDs. Now, we can just purchase the music
23 FIGURE with a few clicks, which makes it more accessible than ever before. The plus point of the Internet is it provides a platform for young budding artists to be discovered”, he added. Talking about how music fosters a sense of patriotism, devotion and togetherness, David said, in the 50s or 60s, the trend was Malays, Chinese and Indians listen to music in their own language. “P. Ramlee’s music was probably the only Malay music the other races listened to, before Alleycats managed to change the scenario with our Malay songs which attracted the hearts of all Malaysians regardless of races. “We were lucky because our rendition of songs cater to three main languages that indirectly bring people together and are well received by fellow Malaysians and people throughout South East Asia such as Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, etc. “Music can unite people because it can move them, and if it contains a message people aim to hear, it will unite them as one. For example, in songs like Sampaikan Salam, we are greeting the listeners and implicitly sending a warm welcome to the listeners, creating a sense of unity and togetherness. “Another example are songs such as Sekuntum Mawar Merah and Jika Kau Bercinta Lagi, which remind listeners of their good times and bring back memories of their lives. Most of our songs are evergreen, appealing to people of all ages and races”, he pointed out. Most importantly, David made it apparent that Alleycats is a brand of unity. David also expressed that it was never an easy task to gain prominence in the music industry. He claimed that Alleycats’ devotion and determination to music is the main reason behind their success to this day. Before the interview ended, David emphasised that for a multicultural society, unity must be the primary agenda for sustainable peace and development and at the same time, upholding the sovereignty of the nation. Apart from that, he was adamant that music played a significant role in forging national unity and fostering a sense of shared identity among Malaysians of all races and religions. “The Alleycats plays a big role in nation building by singing Malay songs with multi-ethnic band members. In this respect, our music resonated with Malaysians of all origins, and were regarded as a voice for the people”, he concluded. 23
MALAYSIA FOCUS This pharmacist is well-known on social media for her upbeat and engaging personality, and she is always chatting away when she posts or shares something. The popularity gained by Siti Hawa Mohd Nor, 31, also called Sitiawe, is comparable to that of well-known social media influencers and celebrities in the country. Her appearance across many platforms is incredibly endearing and savvy, encouraging users of social media to keep up with her progress. FROM SELF-PROMOTION TO SELFLESS PROMOTION: USING INFLUENCE FOR GOOD Career wise, because of her role as a pharmacist, Hawa must always be able to control her emotions and resolve conflicts amicably in the workplace. “Working with patients requires a lot of patience and empathy, especially when working in a busy hospital unit. “Outpatient pharmacies are the last stop for patients before heading home, after spending most of the day waiting for a doctor’s appointment, test results, and so forth”, she explained her work routine. Hawa, a Curtin University graduate in Western Australia, said society needs to understand the concept of supply and demand when it comes to offensive content on social media. “Our society is more inclined to share objectionable content for the purpose of expressing disapproval of it, rather than sharing content that we deem beneficial. “However, today, many young people are creating helpful content such as financial planning as well as opportunities to generate income through social media, household chores, home decor etc. Hawa was first known on the social media site run by ML Studio, where she also shared a wealth of information about wellness, lifestyle, motivation, and current issues like vaccines, cosmetics, and medicines. She uses her position as an influencer to set a positive example for the young generation and to encourage goodness in others. The videos she has shared include those on the utilisation of quality drugs as well as the danger in using health and cosmetic products made of prohibited materials. “I try to share everything positive with the public and avoid sharing negative content”, she pointed out. 24
25 INFLUENCER “After all, opposing views and disputes are natural. They happen in everyorganisation and between individuals. This is mostly because we are not born with a similar level of thinking”, she wrapped up. “As niche areas like this resonate with audiences, content creators become motivated to create even more useful content”, she detailed. She further explained that to encourage more creators to create informed and positive content, the society needs to support them with “views, likes and shares”. When asked about the possible contributions to national unity and prosperity, Hawa believes that there are many things that people can contribute, especially in the form of knowledge that is beneficial, given their different skills and abilities. “For example, I may be good in medicine, but there’s a lot more I don’t know about cooking, financial planning, household management, automotive, etc. This is the easiest way to spread benefits to society and it’s also free”, she told the author. Moreover, with the presence of social media, it is easier for the younger generation to earn income. They can work freelance with flexible hours, independent of the employer that hires them. At the same time, they support the economy through transparent tax payments. Finally, Hawa believes that as social media users, we need to be more open to admitting different opinions by embracing the concept of “agree to disagree”.
MALAYSIA FOCUS 26 Traditional wear is often the factor that differentiates each ethnic group within the Dusunic Family as each has its own unique cultural features. And so it is with the Dusun Labuk society found largely in Beluran and Telupid districts, in the division of Sandakan, Sabah. The Dusun Labuk are also known as Labuk-Kinabatangan Dusun, LabukKinabatangan Kadazan, Eastern Kadazan or Kadajan. They speak a distinct language in the Dusunic Family of Languages. Their Baju Labuk is named after the Labuk River that runs through the districts and forms the lifeline of the people. The Baju Labuk originated from Kg. Kuala Sapi, Beluran (about 98 km from Sandakan town). The “designer” of Baju Labuk, Christina Paul Baklin, was greatly encouraged by her father, Datuk Paul Baklin Gurandi to have their own traditional costume that can identify them as Dusun Labuk. In the 1980s, an effort was made by a group of women in Kg. Kuala Sapi, Beluran headed by Christina to create a traditional costume that would express the cultural identity of the Dusun Labuk. REVEALING THE ARTISTRY OF DUSUN LABUK TRADITIONAL GARMENTS A group of Magalai Labuk dancers in Beluran
27 CULTURE BAJU LABUK Some saw a need to have a single identity as there had been mixed cultural influences among communities in Labuk. This was due to social and economic factors among others. It was the conviction that a single visible identity, expressed through costumes as material culture, would unite them all. The late Lainjih Anggalong, who participated actively in cultural association, promoted Baju Labuk through the traditional Dusun Labuk dance called magalai labuk. This traditionally-derived costume was widely accepted and its use expanded to several villages in Beluran and Telupid districts. Since then, Baju Labuk has become an integral part of the Dusun Labuk culture. The founder of Baju Labuk, Christina Paul Baklin, donning the prototype version in the 1980s The entire outfit is simple, yet elegant and modest in design. The tight-fitting long-sleeved blouses and sarong follows the olden days daily wear for women in Labuk called Baju Impit or Sabung Impit (the cutting is quite similar to the Kebaya) which is traditionally black in colour. For men’s clothing, they also wore a long-sleeved shirt that paired with long trousers. According to Christina, the most distinctive feature of the Baju Labuk 27
MALAYSIA FOCUS 28 The flower motif called Gosing is embroidered by hand against a black fabric. Gosing or Melastoma malabathricum is a popular flower with the Dusun Labuk because of its myriad of uses by the community and can be found in abundance in the forests of Beluran and Telupid. Gosing can be used to clean and prepare the tajau or jar for storing the brew kinomol because it is widely believed to enhance the flavour of this alcoholic drink. In cooking, it can be used to neutralise the bitter aftertaste of papaya leaves by simply boiling them together. As a medicine, it is said to speed up the recovery of wounds when pounded and then placed on the cut. Apparently, it acts as a coagulant allowing the wound to heal quickly. The motif design and placement on Baju Labuk holds a story of the Labuk community, collaboration, dreams, history, culture and tradition. It goes beyond a traditional attire - creating a sense of belonging, unity and collective identity. For instance, the curved “V” shape embroidery design from waist up to the shoulder on the central opening of the blouse illustrates kopiiso ginavo which means perfect agreement and the true harmony among the Dusun Labuk people over opinions - bridges to a successful community. Although blue and green are two distinct colours, they are both referred to in Dusun Labuk culture as “Otomou”. It represents the people of Labuk who, despite belonging to diverse dialect groups, share cultural connections, particularly in terms of language and traditional music. The Dusun Labuk also has the expertise to knit lace which has its own uniqueness. They use rinda amas (gold lace) on the seams to enliven Baju Labuk. The combination of each element on the costume and its colourful threads creates a harmonious beauty that is simply stunning - even without any accessories. Requests for the Baju Labuk are especially high during the Kaamatan month of May but it is also often worn during weddings and official functions. The price can go up to between RM800 and RM1,000 depending on its quality. No matter how advanced the embroidery machine becomes, hand embroidery is still the preferred method to preserve its identity. The Dusun Labuk are aware that keeping the authenticity of Baju Labuk alive in the modern era is extremely necessary for cultural preservation.
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MALAYSIA FOCUS 30 LITERATURE ENGLISH PROVERBS Blood is thicker than water Family connections are always more important than other types of relationship Between the devil and the deep blue sea You are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth If someone does something wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing done to them One good turn deserves another When you do a helpful or kind act for someone who has done something good for you In for a penny, in for a pound When you have started something or are involved in it, you should complete the work although it has become more difficult or complicated than you had expected A word spoken is past recalling Retracting one’s words or negating their effects once they have been spoken is impossible A bird in hand is worth two in the bush You should not risk losing something you already have by trying to get something you think might be better
3131 Versions of National Day and Malaysia Day 2023 Logo If necessary or for practical reasons, other versions of National Day and Malaysia Day 2023 logo may be used. NATIONAL DAY AND MALAYSIA DAY 2023 LOGO
MALAYSIA FOCUS 32 DOWNLOAD FREE BOOKS dbook.penerangan.gov.my FREE BOOKS