If you search ‘Gotong-Royong’ on Google, you’ll find there is no specific English word that can best exemplify that Malaysian concept.
Gotong Royong, an action best exemplified by doing hard work for the community together and has long been a part of the nation’s culture.
The spirit of cooperation among Malaysians today is no longer something common and is limited to events held in schools or maybe during housing area gatherings.
That’s why a netizen felt compelled to share a video when it happened at her house.
Zaty tweeted a video of how her neighbours came over and helped clean up after a Doa Selamat, a feast meant for celebration, thanksgiving or good luck, at her house.
Selesai je kenduri doa selamat tadi. Jiran chinese i tolong kemas weyyyyy. Aku terharu gila dapat jiran jiran macam ni. 4 buah rumah pulak tu yang tolong kami. Semua baik baik suka bersembang. ?? pic.twitter.com/m5XJrzvC7v
— zaty ?? (@izzatymasmudin) March 30, 2019
She writes, “When the Doa Selamat feast ended, my Chinese neighbours stopped by and helped out with the cleanup.”
“I am truly blessed to have neighbours like them. A total of four houses stopped by to help out.”
A great example of what it is like to embrace community spirit, the goodwill shared among them was not a one-off thing.
Apa yang best, setiap kali chinese new year. Berkotak kotak kami sekeluarga dpt limau mandarin. Sampai tak larat nak makan. Tu pn sampai sedekah kt orang balik ?. Tp bila time hari raya. Kami pulak bagi sebalang kuih raya untuk setiap rumah. ?
— zaty ?? (@izzatymasmudin) March 30, 2019
The thread continues, “Every Chinese New Year, we would receive boxes of oranges. And during Raya, we would return kuihs.”
And kami mmg tak pernah la berkira langsung. Siapa ada tanam serai ke daun kari ke daun pandan ke. Haaa amik je. Tak yah mintak mintak. Kita share share maaa. ?
— zaty ?? (@izzatymasmudin) March 30, 2019
“We were never stingy with one another. If anyone planted lemongrass, curry leaves, or pandan, there will be no need to ask. Simply take.”
This is the kind of spirit that Malaysia needs, at a time where differences seem more important than our similarities.
Netizens commenting on the post were at awe with the spirit of togetherness of the community.
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
Zaty even noted that she lives in Ipoh, not Borneo as some netizens speculated. West Malaysia be Muhibah yo.
It is always heart-warming to witness that there are still those who rise above and beyond to help one another, perhaps the Malaysian spirit is still alive and well after all.
Also read: Netizen Heartwarmingly Highlights How Malaysians Come Together Despite Being From Different Races
