Symbiosis of our different backgrounds — Khairul Azwan Harun

APRIL 21 — The process of synthesis is the combination of two or more ideas to form a theory or system.

In biology, synthesis simply means that two pieces join together to produce one more complex product. These pieces can be elements or simpler compounds.

In contrast, symbiosis implies that there is an intended interaction between two or more different organisms living in close physical association. There are 3 different types of symbiosis, mutualism, where both organisms benefit from the relationship, parasitism, where one organism benefits and the other is harmed, and commensalism, where one benefits and the other is unharmed.

The key takeaway is that symbiosis, unlike synthesis, maintains the distinction between the original two parties, there is interaction, but no mixing entities.

Writing this of course, I intend on focusing on a more domestic Malaysian example of symbiosis versus synthesis.

We have for too long been pursuing an absolute form of synthesis in this country.

When we talk about being Malaysian, the understanding is usually that one must merge into a sort of being, that we need to forget being too Malay, or Chinese or Indian and that we must fuse into a different compound called “Malaysian.”

But Malaysia, I believe, would best be benefitted if we focus more on a form of symbiosis, specifically, mutualism symbiosis where all citizens and parties benefit. Now remember, symbiosis implies a clear distinction of who we are and who “others” are. But symbiosis also implies a close relationship that does not impede or devalue the original, independent entity.

Specifically speaking, as a Malay, I believe it crucial for us to be proud of who we are, that we should in fact learn as much as we can about our culture and traditions, that we shouldn’t be ashamed of it. The same thing goes for Chinese, Indians, Dayak, Kadazan and other ethnicities in Malaysia. The crucial second step is that we must take this understanding and further engage with other ethnicities, that we should not stick amongst one another, amongst our comfort zone. This is the danger of inner-ethnic pride. The people who usually fear-monger are usually the ones who hold the least understanding of their own background, and so they become fearful and unconfident.

Be prideful of who you are, but don’t limit yourself to learn about other cultures in Malaysia. All too often, we see headlines where different groups from different backgrounds clash, where one accuses another of impeding or threatening another’s culture.

For some reason, a culture dating back centuries can be threatened by a simple movie or song or tweet. If we truly know our own culture, then we wouldn’t be fear-mongering, in fact we would be brave enough to learn about other cultures because we are so confident and comfortable within our own.

Dan Pink, the author of A Whole New Mind, released a study within which he exposed the mistake of how we approach work. According to Pink, we often use the simple but false idea that incentivizing people with rewards will result in the best outcome, that if you promise your colleague a higher salary, they will work harder.

In our complex world of problem solving however, this method, developed when most industries relied on a simple assembly line, doesn’t work.  Today, our corporate and political problems arise in different, multi-layered forms. In fact, monetary incentives have been proven to be detrimental to solving issues because it only narrows our thinking, focuses it on reward rather than providing us the realm to think open-mindedly.

This is where Malaysia stands today. We cannot continue pushing for unity by using incentives and motherhood statement jargons. We say to our fellow Malaysians that by attending this lecture or forum or by reading more of this and that, we will become more united. Such incentives do not work.

Rather, if we speak of national unity, it must come from within the individual. One must want to engage with other races and to do that, we need first to truly comprehend our own background, because from that is born a passion to look at other cultures, and to compare other traditions with your own.

I was fortunate to have spent my formative years in college overseas, and having that time away from Malaysia, I noticed that we have focused so much on the outcome and glory of achieving ethnic harmony and unity that we forgot about step one: to first better understand our own culture. 

You will not have peace with your friends if you don’t achieve peace at home.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.