Looking beyond race

In Malaysia, it has become a norm in the political arena to make a racist statement in order to convey a point. And race bigots who start organisations with extremist views tend to get a large following compared to those who want to take a moderate stance.

These race-obsessed people seem to get away with everything they say, as the worst and best thing that could possibly happen to them would be to make the news.

Talk of them being tried in court and questioned for inciting racial disharmony would come about, but give it two months and the heat dies down – the characters who at one point created some form of racial disharmony are nowhere to be seen. 

 

Overcome insecurity

I am not saying that anyone with a view on race or religion should be sent to prison, but I honestly think some people in this community should learn to overcome their insecurities and quit shoving their beliefs onto others. They should have enough faith in their own religion without undermining any other race or religion.

Our people have failed to understand that being a part of a multiracial community means enjoying the strengths of one another’s race, religion and culture, while embracing our own. It is about appreciating our differences while giving room for outsiders to admire the unity we possess despite our differences.

About three months ago, I had gone to Panggung Bandaraya to watch a local musical called Mud: Our Story Of Kuala Lumpur. The storyline centres on how the people before us built this place we now call home and how they looked past their differences to be there for each other not only in times of difficulty, but also to have fun and feast together.

The ultimate soul of the story was one – the true essence of Malaysia and the unity which we have taken for granted all this time. That felt good and it made me think a lot about the values our future generation is being nurtured with now. I am not going to turn around and ask when race suddenly became an issue, because it has long been one in our country and, in fact, all around the world.

The real problem here is, of course, the extent that people would go to pursue it. Though it is not entirely happening in Malaysia, many have even killed in the name of religion.

Innocent children who actually look beyond race and religion are being made victims to “send a message”. What that message is exactly, has yet to be conveyed.

 

Killing in the name of religion

In fact, thousands of people have died around the world due to the actions of some extremists in the name of religion and I honestly wonder if these people truly know what they are fighting for.

I wonder if these “fighters”, more commonly known as terrorists, are no different than some protesters in Malaysia who just participate in rallies and protests simply because it is the “in thing” to do and being a rebel apparently means they have dared to make a stance.

These supposed freedom fighters should understand that killing another goes against the grain of the religion they are supposedly fighting for.

Recently, we witnessed the Sydney siege, where a supposed Islamic State follower held a group of people hostage and ended up being the reason for the loss of two innocent lives apart from his own.

Then, there was also the incident where the Taleban in Pakistan killed almost 140 innocent children in Peshawar in the name of religion.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram killed 35 people and abducted another 172 women and children, apparently fighting against western education and for the development of a religious state.

Here in Malaysia, people have been terrorised by the kidnappings committed by Abu Sayyaf and their threats of beheading people in Sabah. What sends shudders down my spine is the fact that lives are being lost daily under the pretence of defending religion.

Now, what does this say about the community we live in?

As the New Year approaches, it is perhaps time for each of us to reflect on our beliefs and question our stand on these extremist views.