LETTER | All Malaysians must wake up before it's too late

LETTER | We Malaysians ought to take cognisance of the antics of Donald Trump, the former US president. It appears that the more extreme and outlandish his statements, the more his supporters are emboldened.

From the world’s most enduring and vibrant democracy, the country has deteriorated into the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol, the ramifications of which are still unfolding today. I think Malaysia shall ignore the happening in the US at our own peril.

Democracy is always fragile. Everyone, including those with dictatorial tendencies, the scoundrels, the fascists, the bigots, and the extremists will use the tenets of democracy to seek power. Once the power is in their hands, we can kiss democracy goodbye.

Since the formation of the unity government, extremism and racism have again reared their ugly head despite the fact that the unity government formed is essentially Malay- and Muslim- centric. Really, what more did the extremists and bigots want?

It is obvious these extremists and bigots are only yearning and lusting for power, nothing else. When they were in government, they have done nothing much for the people other than enrich themselves, their families, and their cronies.

Since independence, the non-Malays and non-Muslims have always been at the periphery of power. To continuously blame them for the plight of the Malays and Muslims is blatantly dangerous.

We can look to history to provide us with valuable lessons. Nazi Germany did not immediately try to annihilate the Jews. It took them about 10 years to build up the momentum.

We should all know by now that depraved and scandalous politicians are never interested in the welfare of the people, both the Malays and non-Malays. Religion and race are just their well-established modus operandi to get ignorant people to fall into the trap again and again.

PAS president Hadi Awang said the Malays have been conned all these years. I cannot agree with him more, except that he, too, is involved in the conning.

For goodness’ sake, we Malaysians - the Malays and non-Malays - must wake up before it is too late. We can’t go into extremes and expect no consequences.

The government of the day cannot create wealth and income. Ultimately, we the people must work, produce, pay taxes, and create income and wealth.

The unity government is far from perfect. It is not even above average. But we must all understand the constraints and limitations of this government. It has baggage and it must appease the insecurity of the Malays.

But it is the best hope we have given the present circumstances. We must allow this government to continue building on inclusiveness, progressiveness, and tolerance. I dread to think of the alternatives available now.

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