PROBABLY intrigued by the existence of “Datuk Gong” shrines at numerous households in her pre-dominantly Chinese constituency, Bukit Bendara MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid (@syerleena_rashid) has recently taken to TikTok to highlight the uniqueness of Malaysia’s cultural melting pot.
The 44-year-old DAP lawmaker was being schooled on Datuk worship and the various colours associated with each deity by Mount Erskine voluntary fire brigade chairman Adam Humpries Loh who revealed seven colour-denoted Datuk Panglima.
It was noted that the deity who is known as Datuk Panglima Hitam is named after the bodyguards of Sultans and is considered to be guardians of a parish.
That the Datuk Gong worship is primarily practised by the Chinese community does highlight the unique ways in which differing cultures absorb influences outside their own.
Henceforth, Syerleena urged netizens to share this interesting clip to spread interesting and useful knowledge that can further bind multi-faith Malaysians.
Many netizens were also curious about the practice with some applauding her “think outside the box” sharing of local customs and traditions.
With another commented that similar shrines existed in his area including Datuk Gong with numerical suffixes.
One netizen noted that if an area was being guarded by a Datuk Putih (white), it denotes the area as a peaceful parish.
While one added further bits of information pertaining to the custom of worshiping this Datuk Gong. In particular NEVER to include pork as offerings.
While another added to the folklore regarding the keris (Malay dagger) used by the seven-sibling deity.
Of course, there were detractors who urged the politician to focus on her own religion instead of prioritising the faith of others.
However, one netizen summed up the best feeling by noting that the cross-pollination of cultures is a sign of respect.
Fact of the matter is that all Malaysians would do well to learn more about each other’s cultures. There is absolutely no harm in having that extra bit of knowledge as it would foster greater understanding, and perhaps, even, respect.
At a time when there is too much noise about disrespecting of religions, such a move underlines that Malaysia is a multi-racial country. Let diversity and assimilation be the nation’s calling card. – March 8, 2025
