M.N.A Hazim Shafii's Portfolio
Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU)
Mata Pelajaran Umum or also known as MPU is a non-medical subject that is mandatory for all Malaysian students in Taylor's University to study. It is a part of the Social Science discipline that aims to study the keys to tolerancy, pluralism and diversity of the Malaysia's population.
It is truly a fascinating subject that touches on everything from politics, religions and even the economic state of Malaysia to better explain what makes the people in Malaysia Malaysians. I was enjoying one particular lecture by our lecturer, Mr Serit on the different factors that create tension and problems in our multicultural population. Though we might have heard of multiple reports of insensitive religious and racial issues created by certain individuals or groups of people, I personally I find that religious and racial issues to be the outcome of dirty politics brought upon by our politicians and extremist racial-based groups to ensure that certain race remains in power and in control over other races. And I believe such belief that one race triumphs others is a toxic and unacceptable idealogy that only benefits certain group of people and not the Malaysians as a whole.
On a lighter note, aside from lectures we also do have multiple other projects under MPU and the one that really stood out is the Cultural Exhibition. A group of friends and I had chosen to represent the Javenese
people and showcase their food and cultures. I am partly Javanese from my father's side and I took this opportunity to learn more on the Javanese history, culture, language and food with my friends. My grandmother who is able to speak the Javanese language has helped me a lot to understand the history of Javanese people, the cultures and food. Our team also was able to introduce a traditional Javanese cuisine, Tempe - a famous snack made of fermented soy product for our visitors to try.