Silence is not always golden, PM

“Tak boleh belajar dalam sangat agama orang lain. Takut nanti akidah terpesong.” (You can’t study too in-depth others’ religions. My faith could be converted.)

That was what a student told my colleague during his class on religion, where he asked his students to do research on other religions.

Isn’t it depressing? It is sad to see the narrow-minded generation that we are producing.

In a heterogeneous society like us, we should learn about others’ religion apart from our own. Then only we can learn to compromise with others’ faith and cultures.

We are all different and it is the differences that make us unique. That’s the beauty as Malaysians.

Headlines in the past weeks were all about race and religion.

The Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) forum attacking Christianity, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) labelling Chinese as “extremist” for opposing hudud, debates on dropping the race column on forms, prosecution of Dr Kassim Ahmad – the list is endless.

So what is it that causes people to group together and find fault and start to use hate speech against others?

Racial and religious conflict is inevitable in Malaysia. Different racial and religious groups always clash over their differences in beliefs, faiths and cultures.

If we see it from a positive angles, such a “clash” showcases the beauty of diversity and we Malaysians should celebrate that diversity.

Sadly, many fail to see it that way.

Racial and religious extremists lead to conflict escalation. They see radical steps as a requisite to fulfilling God’s wishes.

In virtually every heterogeneous society, racial and religious differences are a source of potential conflict.

Can we eradicate these racial and religious extremists? No, we can’t. Race and religious conflicts will not go away. Therefore, we have to learn to compromise to create a harmonious Malaysia.

Being educated about other religions does not mean conversion but may encourage understanding and respect for other faiths.

Daily, we read and hear many commentaries from analysts and scholars.

But what is more important is direction from leaders. Where is the prime minister when fellow Malaysians need his support and leadership amid racial and religious conflict?

After assuming the leadership, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak introduced the concept of 1Malaysia as the key thrust of his administration.

Quoting from the website of 1Malaysia, it says: “1Malaysia values and respects the ethnic identities of each community in Malaysia, and proudly regards them as an asset and advantage. 1Malaysia underlines the value of ‘Acceptance’ amongst its multiracial people, where one race embraces the uniqueness of other races so that we may live with mutual respect for each other as a nation. It is a distinct above that of mere tolerance.”

It sounds really good but unfortunately, after almost four years, the concept remains all talk and no action. 

Judging from the way Putrajaya is handling racial and religious conflict, it is certain that the concept of 1Malaysia is a failure.

If the idea of 1Malaysia is to ensure Malaysians live in a better and more harmonious environment despite our differences, then we should be encouraged to share.

There is an old adage that says, “Silence is golden.” Is it always so?

Unfortunately, silence is not always golden, prime minister. But not at this point. To remain silent when one should speak up is a failure to do one’s duty.  – May 12, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.