Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are three countries of different sovereignties. But they are bound together in terms of political history and culture of origin. The triangular relationship is extremely subtle and sensitive.

The relationship sometimes leads to controversies among the three countries. Recently, there are less disputes between Malaysian and Singapore but a lot of quarrels between Malaysia and Indonesia. The latest controversy involves the use of a traditional Balinese dance in a Malaysia tourism promotional video. Malaysia has been accused of stealing the Indonesian cultural heritage and some Indonesians even called others to join the "We hate Malaysia" campaign on Facebook.

More seriously, as many as 50 people, who claimed themselves to be members of "Defence of Democracy or Bendera", protested against "Malaysia's attempt to make Indonesian cultures its own" by "detaining" Malaysians with sharpened bamboo stalks in Central Jakarta.

Prior to this, Indonesian nationalists accused that Malaysia have stolen their folk song "Rasa Sayang" as a tourism promotional theme song. They also claimed that Malaysia has invaded the copyright of Indonesian batik and wayang kulit (shadow puppet), reproving Malaysia for plagiarising the lyrics of "Terang Bulan" in the National Anthem of Malaysia.

Interestingly, textual researches show that almost all of the culture heritages that claimed to have been "plagerised" by Malaysia are in fact imported cultures.

For example, wayang kulit was allegedly came from the Hinduism during the Sri Vijaya Empire in the seventh century. While according to the Chinese historical records, wayang kulit has prevailed in China since the Song Dynasty. Therefore, how could wayang kulit be an exclusive cultural heritage for Indonesia?

For batik, according to researches, it could be found in China during the Qin-Han period. Thus, batik is as well originated from China and it is not an Indonesian invention.

As for the tune for "Terang Bulan" and the national anthem of Malaysia, it is not originated from Indonesia either. Instead, it is from Hawaiian serenade "Mamula Moon".

In fact, the debate over the cultural heritage of Malaysia and Indonesia carries no substantial meaning at all. Because it does not reflect the countries' respect and appreciation for traditional cultures. Also, it is not meant to protect, save and carry on traditional cultures. Instead, they are fighting for cultural resources and symbols that bring them benefits, such as using them with business-oriented promotional purposes to attract visitors.

Cultural transmission and spread should be a supreme glory for a nation. Keeping a tradition culture to oneself is in fact an act of lack of national self-confidence.

Tolerance is a virtue. Malaysians and Indonesians should be more tolerate and open-minded when it comes to cultural heritage protection!

--My Sinchew/ANN