COMMENT | There was something endearing when I held her in my arms. She had fine wisps of black hair framing a round, expressive face, while her wide eyes, flecked with hints of brown, seemed filled with wonder at the world around her.

She was named Serena, which originates from the Latin word “serenus” for serene.

Her parents, grandparents, and both her maternal and paternal great-grandparents were born in Malaysia.

Yet, in certain circles, despite being a fourth-generation Malaysian, Serena, who is of mixed heritage, would be regarded as the offspring of a “keling” and “Cina babi”.

One can only wonder...