Race, religion and redemption

COMMENT | Even before the blood spilt during the massacre in Christchurch had dried, an Australian senator made a blood-curdling statement, which earned him the severe condemnation he deserved, and later, an egg on his head.

Back home, Malaysian politicians were also swift in censuring Fraser Anning for his bigoted perspective on Islam and Muslim immigrants.

The most vociferous being a former minister, who felt that the senator's remarks were so appalling that decorum needed to be set aside.

He blamed Anning and those with a similar cerebral wavelength for the slaughter and denounced them as despicable pieces of twisted racist-minded manure, though he had opted for a more common four-letter word to describe the end product of the defecation process.

The Umno lawmaker could not have been more accurate. For it is degenerate minds that excrete a prejudiced narrative centred around race and religion for political advancement.

These are irresponsible and unscrupulous politicians who stoke tension, distrust and enmity among people of various creeds to fulfil their personal agendas.

In Fanning's case, some had defended him due to concern over the influx of Muslim immigrants and refugees fleeing from their war-torn countries.

Those who criticised this justification of discrimination blamed right-wing politicians and certain media organisations for demonising the immigrants.

But in some countries, third or fourth generation citizens are still being referred to as immigrants or guests.

There are politicians and groups who often remind these immigrants/guests not to upset the magnanimous 'original' inhabitants, who allowed them to live on their land, with excessive demands.

These immigrants/guests should never dream of being, let alone ask to be, treated as equals. There are instances where the immigrants/guests are even threatened with violence and a repeat of the bloodshed which occurred decades ago if the line is crossed.

One wishes that these twisted minds would be admonished with the same degree of rage as well.

But alas, in the pursuit of political power and positions, principles often become pliable. The rebukes, few and far in between, are mild and nowhere close to the outrage rained on Fanning.

These politicians must remember that their agitational remarks could fan the flames of strife, and when the kingdom is on fire, there is nothing to gain from sitting on the throne as the ruler would lord over nothing but ash and ruins.

Instituting reforms

The knife, however, cuts both ways.

Those on the other side of the political divide must also learn to be more circumspect with regard to their words and deeds given the unique tapestry of this nation, which is intricately woven with threads of race and religion.

Be sensitive to the sensitivities and stop dwelling in an echo chamber. Speak and act like members of the government who represent people of all races and faiths, instead of catering to a particular voter demographic.

Given the complexities of Malaysia, some changes cannot be expected to occur overnight. Therefore, one needs to be patient. After all, Rome was not built in a day.

But there are certain reforms which can be instituted within a short period, if the political will to do so exists.

On that note, it would be wise for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to realise how fortunate he is to be given the precious window to seek redemption and make amends for past wrongs.

For decades, he had been on the wrong side of history, accused of numerous misdeeds, including weakening the nation's core institutions, robbing them of their independence and making them subservient to the executive during his first tenure in office.

His reign also witnessed the emasculation of the fourth estate, transforming it from a watchdog to a lapdog, at least until the advent of Malaysiakini in 1999, whose founders and journalists flirted with the risk of arrest in defying the authorities to publish views and statements hitherto censored or confined to the waste bin.

Post-retirement, Mahathir often courted negative press for his hawkish remarks. His current allies had even dubbed him an unrepentant racist then.

But in the last general election, the slate was wiped clean in the wake of the doctor's promise to heal Malaysia of all its ailments under BN's six-decade-rule, two decades of which were under Mahathir.

Almost a year has passed, and some of the pledges remain just that – pledges.

It is hoped that those in Harapan would remain true to the cause and not be seduced by the trappings of power, fame and fortune, to ensure Mahathir, or those powerful voices whispering in his ear, does not revert the nation to its Machiavellian past.

Mahathir has spent a large chunk of his life thinking like a politician, strategising for the next election.

But now at the age of 93, it would be more befitting for him to think like a statesperson and ensure that crucial reforms are put in place to create a better and just Malaysia for future generations. In his second coming, Mahathir must be a prime minister for all.

He must do things the 'right way' instead of 'my way'.

RK ANAND is a member of the Malaysiakini team.