A handshake turned into a controversy

 Tolerance towards others' culture questioned


Baradan Kuppusamy, a journalist for The Star, had written in his article 'Inconvenient marriage failing' that the PAS candidate for the Tenang by-election, Normala had refused to shake hands with the male population without wearing gloves. Although the article was hit out towards PKR, questioning the alliance between DAP and PAS, it is considered an insult to all Malays who share the same beliefs. It is actually a tradition for all Malay women to shake hands with other men only when their hands are covered.

The debate created is an unnecessary one for we as a multi-racial country, should seek to tolerate and respect the culture and tradition of the races and religions around us. For those who actually felt insulted by Normala's refusal to shake their hands, should look at themselves in the mirror and question their tolerance towards others. It is a Western culture to shake each others hands and in Thailand, instead of shaking hands, they greet each other with Namaste. The Hindus in India adopted it, and so did the Buddhists in Thailand. This sums out a lot on how different people are brought up with different culture.

The article written by Baradan is considered to be politically driven, would unfortunately raise questions on why our people can't tolerate each others beliefs. Baradan has practically played with fire by sparking this controversy because in a civilised nation, that would have been the instant demise of a politician.

sources:The Star Online, The Malaysian Insider, Malaysia Today