‘Saudara senegara’: the Malaysian that Malaysia made me

The story of Padma Zachariah, a Malaysian Tamil, highlights her deep connection to her home country. Born on August 31, a decade after Malaysia gained independence, she was raised in a Tamil-speaking household but adopted Malay and English as her primary languages. Her love for Malaysia goes beyond the surface, as she incorporates Malay customs and traditions into her daily life, such as bowing slightly to elders and greeting with respect.

Padma's friendship with Malays, whom she has known since childhood, has reinforced her identity as a Malaysian. In 2018, a simple Facebook comment from a friend, "saudara senegara," encapsulated her feelings towards her fellow Malaysians. To Padma, Malaysia is not just a country on a birth certificate, but a home that encompasses her language, food, manners, and friendships.

She finds it painful when people label her as a "betrayal" or "internalized racism" for openly embracing her Malaysian identity. For Padma, being Malaysian is a complex mix of Tamil heritage, Malay customs, and the emotional bond she shares with her fellow Malaysians. Her hope is to pass on this love for Malaysia to her children, ensuring that the spirit of Malaysia remains alive within them.