‘Saudara senegara’: the Malaysian that Malaysia made me

Padma Zachariah, born on August 31st, has been a Malaysian since birth, 10 years after Malaysia gained independence. Her father instilled in her the importance of loving Malaysia more than anything, and this sentiment became a fundamental part of her identity. Although Zachariah grew up in a Tamil-speaking household, she primarily speaks Malay and English today, enjoying dishes like Kedah laksa almost daily during her school years.

Her culture is not easily defined, as her parents raised her as an individual rather than imposing specific traditions or identity. Most of her early life was spent with Malay friends and families, participating in their customs, values, and traditions without feeling like an outsider. She learned Malay etiquette, such as bowing slightly to elders and addressing them respectfully, and cherished the close-knit nature of Malay families.

In 2018, a friend's simple phrase, "saudara senegara," encapsulated her feelings towards her Malaysian identity better than she could. To Zachariah, Malaysia is more than just a country; it is a feeling of belonging, a shared home with Malaysians, regardless of ethnic differences. She passionately wants to share this sense of unity and love for Malaysia with her future children.