Who is Malaysia's Strongest Community?
A midnight Deepavali theory, a sky full of fireworks, and a little Malaysian self -reflection | A light-hearted reflection by Dr. Zarif Menon
Dr. Zarif Menon
11/8/20263 min read
For much of my life, I have occasionally asked myself a rather grand question: which community in Malaysia is the strongest, financially and socially?
Now, before anyone reaches for the economic reports, census tables or a calculator, allow me to clarify: this is not an academic study, a serious ranking, or a claim about which community contributes the most to our nation. It is simply the product of one man, one very late night, and a spectacular amount of noise outside his window.
And tonight, as Deepavali celebrations illuminate the Kuala Lumpur skyline well past midnight, I believe I have finally discovered my answer.
The Indian community!
My evidence? Fireworks. An astonishing, relentless, gloriously enthusiastic display of fireworks.
Consider my entirely unscientific methodology. From a financial perspective, if disposable income can be measured by how much money one is willing to send into the night sky—only to watch it explode into beautiful colours and disappear in three seconds—then surely we are witnessing an extraordinary demonstration of spending power!
And socially? Well, the coordination is remarkable. From one neighbourhood to the next, the thunderous celebrations seem to answer one another. One family launches a dazzling volley; another responds with something louder. Before long, the entire skyline resembles a friendly competition to determine who can personally wake up the largest number of Malaysians.
If this is not unity, community spirit and shared enthusiasm, then I do not know what is! Of course, my “research” has not been peer-reviewed. It has, however, been very thoroughly heard.
But here is where my little midnight joke turns into a more meaningful thought.
Throughout the year, Malaysians of different backgrounds celebrate their own festivals with colour, music, gatherings, open houses and, on many occasions, fireworks. During Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas, New Year and other festivities, we each recognise the joy of celebration when it is our turn.
Yet when the celebrations belong to someone else—and the clock has passed midnight—our understanding can suddenly become a little less generous.
The very person who enthusiastically lights a firecracker during their own festival may, on another night, be lying in bed thinking: “Goodness gracious, do these people have no consideration for others?” Meanwhile, the baby is awake, the elderly neighbour is startled, the dog is hiding under the sofa, and tomorrow’s early riser is quietly questioning the meaning of civilisation.
And then, a few months later, the roles reverse. The complainant becomes the celebrant. The celebrant becomes the complainant. Such is the beautiful, occasionally deafening cycle of Malaysian life!
Perhaps that is the real lesson. We are wonderfully skilled at defending our own traditions, but we sometimes forget to extend the same patience to the traditions of others. Equally, celebrating with joy need not mean forgetting those who are sleeping, unwell, elderly, very young—or simply hoping for a peaceful night. Consideration must work both ways.
Malaysia is a nation of many faiths, languages, histories and customs, living close together along sensitivities that can be finer than we care to admit. We do not always agree. We occasionally irritate one another. We certainly do not all share the same preferred bedtime. But over generations, we have learned something valuable: how to make room for one another.
That room has given us more than tolerance. It has given us understanding, acceptance, friendship and a cultural identity unlike any other. Our streets, celebrations, languages, music, values and—perhaps most deliciously—our cuisine have become a glorious potpourri of influences. We borrow words, share meals, visit one another’s homes and find reasons to celebrate together.
So, no: my midnight fireworks index does not prove that any one community is financially or socially stronger than another. What it does remind me is that the true strength of Malaysia has never belonged to just one community.
It belongs to all of us.
We are fortunate to call this extraordinary country home. Let us cherish our differences, laugh at our little contradictions, celebrate with enthusiasm, and remember to be considerate of the people next door. Because diversity is not merely something Malaysia possesses. It is something that makes Malaysia feel like home.
And that, to me, is why there is nowhere quite like it on this planet.
Malaysia Truly Asia.
Deepavali Nal Valthukkal! Selamat Hari Deepavali! Happy Deepavali!
To family, friends, colleagues, and fellow Malaysians near and far: may your celebrations be filled with happiness, prosperity, good health and togetherness—and may every firework be enjoyed safely, responsibly, and with a little kindness towards the neighbours!
Dr. Zarif Menon
Indian by birth. Western by perspective. Asian by values. African by spirit of adventure. Middle Eastern by hospitality. And Malaysian by heart—always.
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