LETTER | Govt must regain control of the discourse on 40 Hadith issue

LETTER | The Pakatan Harapan government attempted to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Icerd) in 2018.

Back then, conservative parties protested against Harapan’s alleged violation of the Federal Constitution that protects the special rights and status of the Malays and bumiputera.

Harapan also tried to introduce the learning of Jawi in schools, back in 2019. It became a huge controversy when the Chinese community, predominantly by Dong Zong, firmly objected the proposal.

Both these occurrences have driven the conservative Malays away from Harapan. Leaders like Muhyiddin Yassin grabbed this opportunity to collude with BN and PAS, launching the Sheraton Move, subsequently giving birth to probably the most conservative political coalition in Malaysian history, Perikatan Nasional.

Harapan’s abruptness in trying to soften the racial tensions plaguing Malaysia had caused conservative leaders to take advantage to fulfil their political interests. They had good intentions but were too impatient in correcting the strong racial division caused by racial politics surrounding the nation for decades.

Today, history repeats itself when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attempts to introduce Imam Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith into the school syllabus. Though the unity government has constantly emphasised that the module is only designed for Muslim students, uneasiness among the non-Muslims is still growing, especially when some NGOs continuously issue negative sentiments against the issue.

ALSO READ: KINIGUIDE | The '40 Hadith' module and its impact on non-Muslims

As advertised by the government, the 40 Hadith indeed contain important elements needed for a progressing multicultural society. It teaches Muslims the values of sensitivity and humility, justice, tolerance and understanding, and more.

If incorporated in the correct manner, the module could produce moderate Muslims who would not easily fall to racial and religious incitements. This could serve as a remedy to the increasing racial polarisation facing Malaysia today.

However, just like how Icerd and Jawi were misunderstood, Malaysians are not prepared yet. The government does not engage the grassroots rakyat before they initiate the policy, causing confusion and wrong perception due to lack of understanding.

Lost the chance

Jawi, as a mere piece of cultural sculpture worth studying, was misunderstood as an effort to assimilate the minorities. The same thing is repeating today.

Constantly emphasising that the module is only for Muslim students and apologising to the Chinese community will not help, as the people have already built a prerequisite in their minds that the government is untrustworthy for attempting to assimilate minorities.

The government has already lost the chance to shape a healthy discourse around the issue in the first place. Throwing out such a sensitive and controversial policy so abruptly has opened up space for certain parties to initiate unnecessary speculations and conspiracy theories which influence the people’s minds.

Regaining control of the discourse surrounding the issue is the only way the unity government can save itself. The government must utilise its influence, resources, and communication machinery well to build understanding among the people on the importance of the 40 Hadith in shaping a healthily progressing multicultural society.

No one wants to see another Sheraton Move happening due to intensified racial tensions. Political stability is of utmost importance for Malaysia to navigate through various domestic and global uncertainties.

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