Unpopular opinion: Malaysia has long way to go towards a polished genteel culture

While Istana Budaya stands as Malaysia's national cultural hub, it still has a long way to go before reaching the heights of world-class venues like the Esplanade in Singapore or the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington DC. Instead of elevating our cultural landscape, it often hosts jaguh kampung events that lack the refinement and global standard needed to truly shine. Time to raise the bar and make Istana Budaya a stage worthy of international acclaim.

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Misplaced Priorities: Luxury Over Culture

It’s telling that when we speak of luxury in Malaysia, the conversation is almost always centered around material goods. Social gatherings are often status contests, where the brand of your watch, the label of your suit, and the exclusivity of your dining spot take precedence. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying the finer things in life, true sophistication goes beyond consumerism. In culturally developed societies like in Switzerland or Italy, there’s a balance between material affluence and intellectual depth. People take pride in their understanding of the arts, literature, and cultural heritage.

In Malaysia, however, it seems that we’re skipping the steps that lead to a refined, genteel culture. A polished society is not built solely on luxury possessions but on a deep appreciation for cultural beauty. High culture isn’t just about attending a fancy gala; it’s about having the sensitivity to engage with the world through art, history, and traditions. We need to shift our focus from merely acquiring wealth to enriching our lives with the subtler pleasures that come from cultural participation.

READ MORE: Is High Culture a Pleasure of the Elite, or a Necessity for a Gentleman?

A Glimmer of Hope: Looking Toward Our Neighbors

While the outlook may seem bleak, there is hope for change if we look toward our Southeast Asian neighbors. In Jakarta, despite the city’s rapid urbanization and rise of a materialistic middle class, there is still a strong commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Art exhibitions, traditional music performances, and literary festivals are well-attended, reflecting a society that values both its past and present artistic achievements. Similarly, in Thailand, a deep respect for cultural landmarks, traditional clothing, and classical performances is embedded in everyday life. The people of Bangkok proudly wear traditional attire during important cultural festivals and have immense pride in their national museums and theaters.

Malaysia has the potential to follow this path. Our rich cultural tapestry, spanning diverse ethnic traditions and artistic expressions, deserves to be celebrated and preserved. But this requires a collective change in mindset, where Malaysians recognize that true elegance lies not just in what we wear or own, but in how we engage with our culture. We must begin to see the arts not as a niche interest but as an integral part of what makes us a civilized, cultured society.

Closing thought

Malaysia’s journey toward a polished genteel culture is still in its infancy. We must learn to value not just the trappings of luxury but the richness of our cultural heritage.

As we approach Merdeka 2024, a time when we reflect on our nation’s progress and shared identity, it’s crucial to recognize that true independence is more than economic success or outward displays of wealth. It’s about cultivating a society that is as rich in cultural appreciation as it is in material prosperity. The spirit of Merdeka should remind us that our national pride is deeply rooted in the arts, traditions, and values that define us as Malaysians.

In the spirit of Merdeka, let’s aspire to a future where our love for luxury is matched by a deep respect for our cultural heritage. Let us see the halls of Balai Seni Lukis Negara filled with people eager to connect with our artistic history, and Istana Budaya alive with world-class performances that speak to our unique cultural narrative. By rekindling a genuine appreciation for the arts and culture, we honor not only our history but also the values that bind us together as a nation. This Merdeka, let’s pledge to grow not just as a prosperous nation but as a cultured one, where elegance is reflected not only in what we possess, but in how we cherish and preserve our heritage.

Only then can we say we have matured into a truly refined and genteel nation.