Page 53 - 2023 eMag Final Draft

in BM allowed me to break down language
As someone who had the privilege
of completing my tertiary education at
the illustrious University Malaysia Sabah,
The Land celebrated as the most beautiful university
in Malaysia, my time in this enchanting
state left an indelible mark on my heart.
Sabah’s beauty wasn’t just confined to
its breathtaking landscapes; it was also
Below embodied in the warmth and hospitality of
its people.
Whenever I mentioned that I had finished
my university education in Sabah, people
the Wind would often inquire, “Are you Sabahan?”
Perhaps it was partly due to my darker skin
tone, which hinted at my affinity for this
Written by Mr. Tan Hur Thong land and its culture. While I may not have
been born in Sabah, the experiences and
memories I gathered during my time there
made me feel connected to this remarkable
place, and I wore my association with
Sabah proudly.
Sabah’s multicultural diversity was
an eye-opener for me. It was a place where
people from various backgrounds lived
in harmony, embracing one another’s
traditions and beliefs. Despite being asked
if I was Sabahan, I realized that appearances
alone could not accurately determine a
person’s ethnicity or cultural background.
Sabahans, like all Malaysians, were a mix
of different races, each contributing to the
vibrant cultural tapestry that adorned the
state. One valuable lesson I learned during
my stay in Sabah was the importance
of communication. To truly connect
with the locals, it was best to strike up a
conversation in Bahasa Malaysia (BM), the
national language. Engaging with people
Illustration by Soo Cheng Mun Sr3B
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barriers and gain a deeper understanding
of their culture and way of life.
The most iconic phrase that one can
hear in Sabah would undoubtedly be “Boleh
bah kalau kau,” which literally means “it’s
workable if it’s you” or “it’s fine with you.”
This expression perfectly encapsulates the
warmth and forgiving nature of Sabahans.
They are ever ready to lend a helping hand
with open hearts, demonstrating their
innate kindness and generosity.
In Sabah, I found that embracing the
local language and customs opened doors
to meaningful interactions and genuine
friendships. The people appreciated the
effort to communicate in their native tongue,
and it fostered a sense of camaraderie that
transcended cultural differences. Through
these conversations, I was able to learn
about their customs, beliefs, and values
directly from the source, enriching my
experience of cultural exploration.
During my stay in Sabah, one
particular experience that left a profound
impression on me was when my coursemate
invited me to her hometown in Kota
Belud. As we arrived at her house, I was
warmly greeted by her family, and her dad,
wearing an apron, immediately caught my
attention. With a beaming smile on his
face, this middle-aged man embraced the
role of the chef, preparing a scrumptious
meal for us. The sight of him, clad in a pink
apron, was an endearing contrast, etching a
lasting memory in my heart.
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