Be sensitive to all

Categories: Malaysia

Much had been said about the polarisation between the various races in Malaysia and equally much had been said about the various ways to help to foster more understanding between the races. Lately there was also talk about setting up a committee to look into and promote racial harmony in Malaysia.

Whatever method used is welcomed since nobody benefits from a repeat of the racial riots of May 1969. However each method used must be fair and seen to be fair. This is because prejudices are difficult to eradicate and feelings had to changed. With this background, I will illustrate two recent incidents that I felt is counterproductive to our nation building efforts.

In the controversy regarding the screening of The Last Communist, Home Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said that approval for the screening depends on the UMNO supreme council. This is because "When it comes to communism, Umno (people) have very strong sentiments about it." May I remind the Minister that every race suffered during the Communist insurgency. No racial group was spared. Hence it is not fair to imply that only UMNO has strong sentiments. Moreover if one reads the blog by Yasmin and the comments penned, one will be surprise to see that it is not the people who are guilty of racial polarisation. Moreover MPs who were privileged to see the private screening came away unimpressed and found nothing controversial. If UMNO MPs found nothing controversial why deprive the other segment of the society from watching the film? And what business has UMNO Supreme Council to decide on the fate of film? It should be the government who decide and not UMNO Supreme Council whose jurisdiction is only to UMNO. UMNO Supreme Council is not part of the government and hence should have no say in this matter. If UMNO Supreme Council can meddle in the daily running of the government then I have pity on the rest of the coalition BN members.

Another incident involved the hosting of a public forum entitled Federal Constitution – Protection For All organised by Article 11, an umbrella body of 13 non-governmental organisations. This forum was disrupted by demonstrators thought to allied to an Opposition party. What is sad is the PM Badawi's statement that ".. but the organisers must be careful as their subject matter was sensitive." How does he know about the subject matter when it haven't even been discussed? By cutting short the forum, what happen to the feelings of the other segment of the society? This was a legal forum disrupted by an illegal protests. It is a pity as aptly said by Tun Hanif Omar: "Article 11 enunciates the constitutional position on this matter not only for non-Muslims but also for Muslims, not only for citizens but also for everyone in the country. That is why it will profit everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, to attend such talks and forums on this matter that engage knowledgeable speakers."

If the government truly wants to promote a multiracial society then the government should be sensitive to all sectors of the people. They must be seen to be fair and indeed should be fair. Any slightest hints of favouring one sector of the population will destroy whatever effort used to promote racial cohesion. Unless the hearts and minds of the people can be won, all efforts to promote racial harmony will be destined to failure.