By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 17: There are many ‘TeoMa’—offspring of Teochew and Malay intermarriages—in Sarawak, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during the 160th Kuching Teochew Association anniversary celebration dinner at Imperial Hotel here last night (June 16), he said TeoMa are just one description of mixed-race children in Sarawak who are a reflection of Sarawak’s culture where intermarriage between people of different ethnicities are common.
“In terms of language, when you engage with the Chinese including those from China, they are all involved in various trade and commerce. At least you, as a Malay, can speak Mandarin.
“Not only are they (Malay) proficient in speaking (Mandarin), they also marry the Chinese and produce ‘hybrid’ Sarawakians.
“From there, there are many TeoMa. That’s why we have no racial or religious problems here,” he said, adding there are also cases where the Chinese have married Iban or Bidayuh spouses.
He further said through intermarriages, people from different races would learn to appreciate and understand each other’s culture.
At the same time, Abang Johari recalled his childhood memories of where he used to watch opera at the temple located at Carpenter Street.
“I used to go to a private tuition near the temple. When I finished tuition, I would sit down at the temple to watch opera performances,” he said.
He also revealed that he would spot cultural similarities between the Chinese and the Malays from the opera performances, which amazed him and helped him to appreciate the culture of both races. — DayakDaily
