I never asked my late grandfather about his World War experiences just to entertain him, not because I truly sought the stories. And why would I? My questions were more about reminiscing his younger days, especially when he often confused whether he had eaten lunch or swapped the names of his children. These moments of nostalgia, filled with his fragmented recollections, are now part of my cherished memories.
I thought I knew one or two things about wars, but how naive I was to think that way.
Learning About Rohingya
Recently, I attended a talk at Tower 1 where I gained a deeper understanding of the Rohingya people’s plight. This experience opened my eyes to their suffering and struggles, expanding my empathy towards their situation. The talk highlighted the harsh realities faced by the Rohingya, a Muslim minority in Myanmar subjected to severe persecution and displacement.
Connecting with Mr. Win
I had the privilege of working with a senior geophysicist from Myanmar named Mr. Win. For two years, we collaborated on various projects, and he became a mentor to me. My tenure in this project will continue until next year, after which I will likely meet another senior from the Buddhist triangle: Myanmar-Thailand-Laos. However, I will still be based in KLCC.
Mr. Win was a kind and thoughtful person. We both shared a deep connection to spirituality and often engaged in profound conversations about life and the afterlife during our evening coffee breaks. He would always bring peanuts for everyone, a small but generous gesture that became a symbol of his kindness. His absence now leaves a noticeable void in our team.
After returning to Myanmar in April, Mr. Win emailed me updates about his life. He mentioned that his name might be changed to Ashin Yawada if his family approved his intention to stay in a sanctuary. This transformation reflected his ongoing spiritual journey.
The Complexity of the 969 Movement
The situation in Myanmar is complex and often misunderstood. The 969 movement, which fears the Rohingya people taking over Myanmar from the Buddhists, has been a significant factor in the conflict. This movement views the Rohingya as a threat, similar to historical fears in Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s worth noting that Tanah Melayu was predominantly Hindu before the advent of Islam.
The 969 movement is considered extremist by many, yet it receives support from the military. Information on this movement can be contradictory and confusing, making it difficult to discern the truth. Despite the turmoil, I refuse to believe that Mr. Win, who taught me Geophysics fundamentals and genuinely cared for me, could be associated with such extremist ideologies. His character and actions spoke of compassion and understanding, not extremism.
Imagining Unimaginable Struggles
Imagining myself and my family, A & H, living in a refugee camp, restricted in our movements, is a harrowing thought. I love discovering new places and experiencing new things. The idea of being confined, unable to move freely, is unimaginable. Similarly, picturing myself in a crowded boat, trying to escape through the sea, suffering from severe eczema flares, with blood from my ears flowing to my toes, which are numb from lack of movement, is equally distressing. There’s no space, no freedom. Is this truly a religious issue anymore, or is it a matter of basic human rights?
A Glimpse of Hope in Malaysia
In Malaysia, those who care have more discretion in discussing the plight of the Rohingya. We embody the spirit of 1Malaysia, having evolved into a harmonious society that values diversity and understanding. This unity reflects our humanity and our collective empathy towards those suffering.
Recognising Privilege and Embracing Empathy
I once thought I knew fear and uncertainty. But realising that the fear experienced by the Rohingya and others in conflict zones is magnified many times over makes my complaints about time and space seem trivial. My struggles pale in comparison to the fate of the Rohingya, the people of Aleppo, and countless others whose stories I have yet to learn. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Embracing a Shared Humanity
Understanding and empathy are vital in recognising the privileges we often take for granted. By learning about the struggles of others, we can better appreciate our own circumstances and extend compassion to those enduring unimaginable hardships. This reflection is a call to embrace our shared humanity and support those in need, wherever they may be. In doing so, we contribute to a world where empathy and understanding prevail over division and conflict.
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