LETTER | Lessons from the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden

LETTER | The whole world of right-minded homo sapiens is united in condemning the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden.

And rightly so.

The Swedish authorities have a severe crisis that cannot be sidelined as nations rally together to lash out at this outrageous, heinous action.

The universal truth that has accompanied humanity throughout the history of civilisation is that no man has a right to condemn another belief or kill in the name of their faith.

Pockets of followers of almost every religion are guilty of this crime as can be weaned from the history pages.

It is no fault of any religion but solely the evil mind of exploiting humans.

The first lesson for Malaysians here is that respect, tolerance and acceptance of each other's faith are the only glue that can hold us together.

National unity and patriotism will cease if we pit one religion against another.

Political motives and religious extremism have often proven to be the main reason for abusing religion to incite thoughts, words and actions that root suspicion, fear and hatred.

Whether one burns the revealed books of any faith or plants prejudices and injustices against the followers of any religion, the gravity of that crime is the same: It is a murderous attack on civilisation.

Governments have a definite and imperative duty, obligation and uncompromising need to ensure all religions are given a fair ground so that the faithful of any faith can live in peace, harmony and lead a value-centric life as they live, work and play together as fellow humans of a nation.

Theocratic political parties lose their purpose and relevancy when pitting one religion above others.

The path to religious tolerance, acceptance and respect is only through education and conduct of leadership.

Malaysians must seriously revisit our education roadmap and set the SOPs for political leaders' conduct.

We are taking far too long (and, in all likelihood are racing in the wrong direction) to remedy the foundations and repair the frameworks much needed to become a beacon to a world increasingly challenged by religious divisiveness.

The more Malaysians witness talks about race rights, the further we will compound religious harmony.

Therein lies our biggest challenge and lesson to be drawn from the ugly, despicable Swedish act of burning the Holy Quran.

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