A Malaysian writer and actor is going viral on Reddit for giving his children names that represent the country’s diverse cultures, in the spirit of Malaysian multiculturalism.
According to The Sun, Kee Thuan Chye named his daughter Soraya Sunitra Kee Xiang Yin and his son Jebat Arjuna Kee Jia Liang, combining Malay, Indian, and Chinese elements.
“In our daily lives, my wife and I just call them Soraya and Jebat. I chose names from all three major ethnic groups as my political contribution to the concept of a Malaysian identity,” Kee said in a video.
“It’s also to remind them that they are Malaysian.”
Initially, Kee’s friends doubted he could register such unique names on his children’s birth certificates, but he succeeded without any issues.
Kee believes his children’s names, Soraya Sunitra Kee Xiang Yin and Jebat Arjuna Kee Jia Liang, are likely one-of-a-kind, and he takes pride in that.
“I’ve always believed in multiracialism, that we should all identify as Malaysians regardless of race,” he explained.
“The goal is for everyone to feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a harmonious and prosperous nation.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below!
Also Read: PN MP Wants Rafflesia Flower to be Renamed for Merdeka Day, Even Suggests Calling It “Anwar” Instead
