Lessons not learned

LETTER | I recently attended a government organised engagement session intended to explore ways to strengthen unity amongst the various races in Malaysia. Participants included representatives from various civil society groups, the corporate sector and the government. 

While interesting ideas were shared, I had felt that even if all these great ideas were implemented they will only be superficial, unless politicians from both sides of the political divide agree to wholeheartedly subscribe and give life to the 1Malaysia slogan, a slogan which was first mooted by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak but failed miserably as its mooters were dishonest – they definitely did not practice what was preached.

It is almost 10 months now since the conclusion of the general election, and it is rather unfortunate that our already fragile unity is being strained further by politicians who continue to make irresponsible statements, in complete disregard of its negative impact on the wider population. 

All that one needs to do is read the comments section of media reports and the worrying picture will emerge.

It hurts worse when these type of statements come from senior political leaders like the latest from BN secretary-general Nazri Abdul Aziz, a person who has held a cabinet position for decades, with him mischievously questioning the appointment of non-Muslims as the attorney-general, chief justice and finance minister, as they were all not sworn in using the Quran. 

By making such statement he clearly intended to rile up emotions instilling hatred and dissatisfaction towards the non-Malays in the country cheaply to garner votes.

Nazri knows that Malaysia practices constitutional democracy, and nowhere in the constitution it is stated that a person of a particular race cannot hold such positions. 

It is entirely the discretion of the prime minister to nominate anyone who he deems fit for the position but yet Nazri felt it fit to make such a statement.

We can understand that there is an impending by-election with high political stakes, but winning an election by instilling racial hatred is, in reality, a loss. In this instance ends does not justify means.

We continue to claim that Malaysia’s rich multicultural diversity is our pride where we have lived in harmony building a great nation, but the sad reality is that our strength is slowly diminishing as years of racial integration efforts are being mocked by irresponsible politicians like Nazri.

It is best that Nazri apologises and consider this episode as a bitter lesson learned.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.