AUG 4 — Every July, I go back to Canada to let everyone know I am still alive and reconnect with those who don’t do the cyber-family thing.

Most people forget exactly where I live in Asia. When I say “Malaysia,” they quickly say “Oh, cool” to avoid further detailed discussions. The truth is, people know Malaysia for Zoolander and some random negative international news stories. Anything I tell them about the country is essentially new. That’s okay, I guess. We don’t all need to be geographical experts for our day-to-day existence. Still, it would be nice if my friends and family knew more about the place I call home.

Even though I have lived in Malaysia for three years, I still meet Malaysians (especially taxi drivers) who will tell me — regardless of my long-term experience — what Malaysia “is.” Malaysia is a multicultural country. Malaysia is an Islamic country. Malays get special benefits. Malaysians like food. Malaysians live in unity. It all seems like a broken record, but that is what one gets with certain styles of education.

Malaysia isn’t the only multicultural country. Canada is very multicultural too. In Toronto, “white people” are actually the minority. In my high school, I was one of the few white guys on the basketball team. Ramadan posed many challenges as my team-mates had little energy. However, I didn’t look at them as being that “different.” Fortunately, I didn’t have to grow up with 1 Canada propaganda.

I won’t pretend that Canada is a place of perfect racial harmony. There are problems. However, the average Canadian does not link physical appearance with nationality or religion. While “race” is still an important issue to many Canadians, people of any colour are free to be whatever or do whatever they want.

Indians skateboard, Malays practise Hinduism, and Chinese people go hunting for moose. Why can’t it be that way in Malaysia? Instead, when Canadians of “colour” come here, they are often greeted with confusion. A brown Canadian? Impossible.  

Again, Canada is not a land of complete freedom. For example, during my last trip I went to the multicultural festival. It is a really cool weekend festival featuring many different ethnic groups, performances, food, and artisans. I went to an Islamic booth and accepted a book and DVD explaining the truth about Islam.

I told the bearded man that I live in Malaysia, and he smiled (however, I’m not sure he knew what Malaysia was). Later, I was walking by and a Muslim woman from the booth was chatting with an animated Christian woman who was clutching a Bible and wearing a brightly coloured “I love Jesus” badge. It was a beautiful “Canadian” scene.

I asked if I could take their picture. They agreed and began to pose. Just then, I heard, “No, no, no, she doesn’t want her picture taken.” It was the same man who handed me his “truth” books. I looked back at the women. They looked confused.

He asked why I wanted a picture. Before I could answer, he told me to “get out of here.” I was thinking that this man has set up a booth in my public park, but I was not about to argue. I asked the woman, since I am not a patriarchal sexist, what she wanted. Now she tells me she doesn’t want her picture taken. I couldn’t help but feel she had her freedom of choice taken from her, but this is the delicate balance that is Canada. I don’t believe in “forcing” freedom on people, but I don’t like getting the feeling that people don’t have a choice.

I moved on to a large island blocked off for First Nations dances and activities. This term is the “politically correct” one for the native peoples of Canada (please don’t call them “Red Indians”).

Canada, like most other countries with a colonial background, has a history of poor treatment of native peoples. As a means of compensation, we have special benefits for the native population — an issue highly contested in Canada. Some people don’t think one per cent of the population should have special benefits.

I tell my friends that in Malaysia over half the population gets special benefits. Affirmative action for the majority? Post-apartheid South Africa is the only other country that gives benefits to its majority (with a rather apparent historical reason).

Of course the festival had an array of food from around the world. Malaysians do like food, but Canadians are fatter. Canadians love to eat food from other countries. The amount of sushi we put back is unbelievable.

Sadly, Canadian food doesn’t really exist. We have poutine (French fries with gravy) and we have maple syrup, but that doesn’t sound like a complete meal to me. Don’t ask me about Canadian Pizza, the Malaysian pizza chain. Pizza is not Canadian. That said, a “Canadian” pizza involves pepperoni, mushrooms and (real) bacon — but not on my vegetarian pizza!

Still, I love the fact there’s a business here called Canadian Pizza. I enjoy their product. If anyone from Canadian Pizza is reading this, feel free to send free pizza!

Canada is a very peaceful country and thankfully we can discuss democracy a little better than Malaysia. For instance, I went to the Annual Gay Pride Parade in Toronto. Millions attend this very vibrant — and all inclusive — street celebration. It is expected that politicians attend. 

When Toronto’s new mayor decided to skip the event, it was a big story. I saw the leader of the opposition there (who incidentally just revealed his cancer is back and will be taking some time away from work. Get better soon Jack!).

If Malaysia was to stage a similar street celebration, the event would be dubbed a protest. Those who just want their individuality respected would be met with tear gas and chemically-laced water.

In a conservative society, it is much harder for individuals to express themselves and be free to do as they choose. I believe that whether one is conservative or liberal, it is better to live in a liberal society. Canada has had a conservative minority government since 2006, and recently that party won a majority. I don’t believe that means Canada wants to be more conservative, but I fear a loss of individual freedom.

Meanwhile, I wonder where Malaysia is going. I wrote a letter to Malaysia on July 9. I predicted that the authorities wouldn’t handle the situation very well. I’m no prophet, but I know which way the wind is blowing. As I left for the airport to come home, my grandma advised “don’t get involved with those yellow people.” I don’t think she was being racist. Obviously she was referring to the DiGi guy. I told her not to worry.

This may very well be my last year in Malaysia. Nevertheless, I look forward to what is going to happen next. I want Malaysia to find its own way. At the same time, I’d like it to take a few notes from Canada about individual freedom and social cohesion. Based on the events of July 9, I think it could happen. I just hope it is a turning of the tide and not a random wave.

* The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the columnist.