OUR MUHIBAH STORY | In April, Malaysiakini invited readers to submit a story about their cherished friendships or relationships that surpass race and religious barriers.

Some had the opportunity to learn those lessons in environments where they were the hyper-minority, the few of their kind in school or college.

Still, their stories are testament to how through shared experiences, these differences give way to bonds beyond skin deep.

These are their stories, in their own words, as submitted to Malaysiakini.

‘A unique experience’

A muhibah story by Catherine Joyce.

Being an Indian girl in a Chinese school offered a unique platform to embrace and share one’s culture.

I still remember the day I stepped into SJK (C) Yuk Choy in Ipoh, Perak. That was the start of an incredible journey, one that would shape me into the person I am today.

Over the next 11 years, I would make lifelong friends, learn valuable lessons, and create unforgettable memories. I also learnt to communicate in Mandarin, a skill that has benefited me in various ways to this day.

My best friends in school - Yuvarani, Sook Yei, Zhi Kuan - and I were inseparable from day one.

We sat together in class, partnered up for projects, and explored the school’s hidden corners during recess.

Our favourite spot was the old tree in front of the school, where we would share secrets, gossip, and dreams.

Years later, passing by the school, I was struck by the nostalgia that washed over me.

The old tree still stood tall, its branches a reminder of the laughter and memories we had created. I am grateful for the friends I had made, the lessons I had learned, and the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.

Those were the good old days, and I will always treasure them.

‘The trio who helped me reach success’

A muhibah story by Azamin Amin.

I was very nervous the first time I entered college. I was the only Malay and Muslim in my class of 20 students.

Seeing how nervous I was and how I could not speak English fluently, an ethnic Indian student approached me and patted my back.

“Don’t worry. You can do it. We’re here and we will study together, okay?” he said, encouraging me.

His name was Manimaran. He was a bit older than me and he had two good friends, Manoj Kumar from Kuala Lumpur and Azman Sagau from Sabah.

The trio became my good friends for the entire year that I studied for the A-Levels (Law) at Juara Academy College at Jalan Hang Lekiu, Kuala Lumpur in 1994.

We would be a foursome wherever we go. We studied together, played football together, shared meals, and hung out after class.

Friends to family

I was never isolated and they never interfered in my religious duties. When it was time to perform my prayers, they would wait for me. During Ramadan, they would accompany me to break my fast.

In the metropolitan city of Kuala Lumpur at the time, these friends were my family.

I even slept over at Manoj’s home in Sentul flats with his family several times, and they treated me very kindly.

During Hari Raya, Manoj would ask me to bring dodol for him from my kampung. It was his favourite and he knew how difficult it was to make dodol.

Manoj was at the time also working as a bank officer. He was always generous with his money and paid for many of my meals, knowing that I did not have much to spare.

Our lecturer Baljit Singh Sidhu (now a famous lawyer) and the college principal PMS Jassal too often motivated me to do better. This is especially because results-wise, I often found myself at the back of the class. Imagine, having to learn everything in English and legal jargon at that!

Manoj, Manimaran, and Azman never failed to share their knowledge and tutor me after every class. The different ethnicities were never a barrier to us working together to achieve something.

This is Malaysia in reality

Finally, I was among the top two students of the college for that year. In fact, I was offered a scholarship by the college principal.

Besides my prayers to Allah and support from my family, it was the help of these three friends that helped me succeed. I never forgot that.

Our muhibah friendship is a testament to how we can all live in harmony and mutual respect. This is Malaysia in reality, not the one full of provocations.

Since then, our paths diverged and it has been 30 years since we spoke to each other. I can’t even find a photo of us together, three decades on.

It is my hope that by telling this story to Malaysiakini, I can be reunited with them. I would be so very grateful if I could find them again.