Xiamen, A Trip Down Memory Lane. Part 4: The Legacy

Historically, the Chinese have been trading in the Indomalayan region for centuries. Today, Malaysia maintains very strong bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China. In times of conflict and war in olden China, many Chinese escaped the conflict by sailing elsewhere looking for greener pastures. Throughout the whole Southeast Asia, these Chinese migrants settled and built up communities that last till today. It is no different in Malaysia, where the ethnic Chinese Malaysians represent one of the three major races in Malaysia.

Above: Plaque commemorating my grandfather's contribution to the building of the village school. 

Today, we all identify ourselves as citizens of the country. However, I couldn't say that my great grandfather felt the same way. I feel very strongly that he treated Malaya/Malaysia as a temporary refuge, waiting for peace to come upon China and the right time to return. Along with him, many from the same generation held similar thoughts. One could not blame them as China was where they were born and where they felt they had a stronger sense of belonging. As such, when China was going through a very difficult period of conflict and war, many of the overseas Chinese sent their newfound wealth back to the motherland to aid in the pursuit of a better future.

Above: Part of the current generation, including yours truly, in front of the school gate.

My great grandfather was no different. During that period, he had become a successful trader in Malacca and he was generous when it came time to answer his "patriotic" duties. He donated much of his wealth back to the village where it all began for him, where he was born. Of course, he also built a big house for his relatives back in China, a house he never got the chance to see finished. 

After his father's passing, my grandfather continued to bless the village. My grandfather left his mark by building a school in the village for the next generation.

Now, what is our responsibility? Or do we still have one?

China is now wealthy, I believe our forefathers have done their part as they felt that they should. Meanwhile, for us, the next generation, we have our roots planted on a different land. While we shall not forget our ancestral roots, we should accept the fact that we are Malaysians now and it is now our responsibility to strive for a better future for the land we now call home.