Stop ethnic and religious fanaticism in Malaysia

COMMENT It is indeed very troubling to note several very upsetting incidents touching on ethnic and religious issues that happened in Malaysia over the past few weeks. The controversial court verdict on the using of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims is one. Another is the slaughtering of cows in public schools.

While we react and jump at these issues, these issues are mere symptoms of the larger issue at stake here which is the systemic politicisation of race and religion for vested interests by certain parties.

There has also been an alarming increase or surge of fanatical groups under the guise of religious fervour insensitively trampling on the religious rights of other minority citizens in the country. Their actions are always insensitive, disrespectful and demeaning to other communities.

It seems like these zealots have forgotten that this nation was founded on tolerance and nationhood that among all citizens of different ethnic and religious beliefs. Malaysia’s Independence was built upon an agreed framework among all its citizens towards the path of nationhood. But sadly after 56 years this daunting task of nation-building and creation of a national identity still remains fraught with all kinds of political, economic and social hurdles.

Malaysia has always been proud of its multicultural society which makes us unique in the eyes of the world and the country’s constitution clearly states in Article 11 that every citizen has the right to profess and practice his/her religion even though Islam remains the official religion of the country. However in reality, this right have been challenged and there has been a steady increase in disrespect and also suppression of religious freedom in the country.

For example, it is highly improper, disrespectful and discriminatory when the Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) deputy President Aminuddin Yahaya arrogantly declared that since Muslims are the majority in this country, they can freely do as they please, including slaughtering cows in schools.

On the other hand, Perkasa’s president, Ibrahim Ali (left in photo), is another example of the 'ugly Malaysian' by demanding that Christians be taught a lesson by the banning of the Malay language Bible.

This kind of statements can only be uttered by a truly narrow minded and arrogant individual who refuses to recognise the universality of a global environment where diversity and differences should be embraced instead of being condemned.

Contrary to these so called defenders of Islam, Islam is in fact a religion of peace, tolerance and moderation, but selfish political hidden agenda and supremacist attitudes have preceded common sense and sensitivity among these overzealous groups in our country today.

Fortunately their delusions are not often shared by many others, although they claim to represent all Muslims in the country. A visit to social media sites would clearly show these groups and their handful of followers seem to be only barking in their own backyards.

Has ‘1Malaysia’ gone out the window?

After a long silence, our prime minister made a statement yesterday that the 10-point agreement with Sabah and Sarawak will be honoured and ‘Allah’ can continue to be used in Malay Bibles including in the peninsula. But till now, he has not addressed or condemned the insensitive speeches that are happening in Malaysia. He continues to remain silent on these unsettling incidents that have seriously fragmented the nation.

What good is the slogan of ‘1Malaysia’ he preaches when the reality actually reflects an entirely different picture of what’s really happening in the nation. It seems to have gone out the window the minute the 13th general election was concluded. What has happened to the promises of equal opportunity for all Malaysians?

It is not enough to merely give beautiful speeches abroad claiming to be a moderate and tolerant government and nation, when back home fanaticism is being allowed and even fanned to protect the government’s status quo and political power. Why has action not been taken by the government to put a stop for this?

It is high time that the government of the day puts a stop to these destructive political games of using religion and racial sentiments to protect their political interests to stay in power. It is not only embarrassing in the eyes of the nation and the rest of the world but highly damaging to our diverse multi ethnic and religious communities.

We also urge the government to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). As it prepares for its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva this Thursday, it cannot continue to give a moderate picture while no action is taken back at home.

It is important that Malaysia start taking its role in the UN Human Rights Council seriously. The country would not be able to grow and prosper with this attitude by the government which is dividing the nation.

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LENA HENDRY belongs to Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (Komas) and is a member of the secretariat of the ICERD Working Group.