THE Bon Odori festival held barely two weeks ago turned out to be a roaring success, garnering some 50,000 visitors. 

This was despite the opposition of some religious groups, who called Muslims not to attend it. Some had even called for it to be banned.

This opposition occurred despite assurances from leaders, including from no less than the Selangor sultan himself, that the show was cultural in nature. 

The fiasco follows a string of politicised non-issues, particularly imported festivals perceived to be incompatible with the Muslim faith. Other examples include Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest. 

These events have been derided for supposedly promoting hedonism and alcoholism and are hence a danger to the Malaysian way of life. 

But some festivals native to Malaysia, involving the non-Muslim community, like Chinese New Year, Gawai or Kaamatan, do involve alcohol. 

The narrative that alcohol is the problem then becomes problematic. 

The second branch of the argument is that it is an imported culture and unsuitable for Malaysians. 

That argument has two glaring holes – first, that we, as a multicultural society ourselves, have a problem with multiculturalism and are effectively practising a form of cultural chauvinism.

Second, it argues that a celebration of a foreign culture is not welcome, which is strange given that individual elements of other cultures are already very much present in Malaysia via martial arts, dance, food, music, entertainment, books, comics, TV shows and so on.  This is especially true of Japanese, Korean, and American cultures. 

If Bon Odori is problematic, what about manga, karate or udon? 

Malaysia and Japan have long enjoyed a good relationship, most publicised during the first reign of Dr Mahathir Mohamad but actually going all the way back to the time of Abdul Razak Hussein. 

There are 1,500 Japanese companies who have invested RM80.8 billion on our shores over a course of 30 years.

These investments have created around 400,000 jobs for an economic waterfall effect again dating decades. Malaysia also enjoys strong cooperation from Japan in education with about 300,000 Malaysians having benefited from Japanese universities and scholarships. 

Imagine the feelings of the Japanese people if Malaysia were to reject their culture.

Imagine if India were to say, we like your highway constructions, but please don’t hold Merdeka celebrations on our soil.  

Or if China were to like our palm oil and durian but prohibit silat.  

The response – to have a counter Malay festival – seems misguided. 

We should instead promote our art and culture overseas, such as silat and sepak takraw. P. Ramlee films and Siti Nurhaliza songs more revenue for the entertainment industry.

Japanese culture with a Malaysian flavour could be a tourist attraction for the Muslims or regional travellers who cannot afford to visit Japan. Our unique selling point is our diversity, which places Chinese, Borneon, Indian, Malay cultures in one country.

Having other cultures join the mix can only add truth to our “Malaysia, Truly Asia” tagline.  

Malaysia has long enjoyed multiculturalism because to our tolerant and accepting nature.  

This should not stop because of the narrow viewpoints of certain quarters whose motives appear inconsistent and self-contradictory. They are certainly counter-productive for nation building or our international standing.  – July 27, 2022.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.