COMMENT | This Raya, I published a Raya message titled “Raikan Perbezaan Kaum, Budaya” (“Celebrate Ethnic and Cultural Diversity”) in Utusan Malaysia.

While this may sound novel to many Malaysians who mistakenly view Dong Zong as a monoethnic group, I am in fact continuing a legacy that began 70 years ago, when Lim Lian Geok, president of Jiao Zong (the United Chinese School Teachers’ Association of Malaysia), penned a hopeful Hari Raya Aidilfitri address in Jawi that was published by Utusan Melayu on May 4, 1956.

Titled “Hidup Berbilang, Makmur Bersama” (“Prospering Together Amid Diversity”), Cikgu Lim’s message spoke of cross-ethnic solidarity as the soul of our soon-to-be nation, bringing together Malays, Indians, and Chinese as equal partners.

It was especially meaningful in shaping a shared sense of belonging at a time when leaders across communities were working together to press for Malaya’s independence from British rule.

My message reflects on the nature of...