What have led the country to the plight? Why can't all races and religions live in harmony? Why is the economy getting worse? While different denominations are expressing their views and unable to find a peaceful solution after the arson attacks on churches, patriotic Malaysians are anxiously looking for a way out for the country.
Yes, after the attacks on churches, many people are indeed aware that the existing system and social framework can no longer maintain racial and religious harmony. Instead, the relationship has become more and more vulnerable and once there is an outbreak for sensitive issue, the country's religious harmony in which those in power have long been complacent over, will collapse at the first blow.
The current situation is a result of racial and religious politics. Racial politics is a zero-sum game. In order to maintain their statuses and community support, political party leaders provoke racial issues and create mutual suspicions among the people . However, the government does not recognise the crux of the problem. The government's efforts are equal to zero with the harm brought by racial political parties and media over the years.
Racial politics is closely related to religions because of the religion background of Malays. They defend Malay sovereignty, including their religion.
The rise of theocracy is even worse. Politicians try to use religion to fight for power and spread the theory of “creating high religious status with politics”. It has as well brought an inciting effect to Islamisation and religious conservatism.
Racial politics has given rise to racial policies, including unreasonable protective measures and quota systems that cause the outflow of capitals and talents. Meanwhile, religious politics has given rise to overweening religious doctrines and man-made taboos. As a result, there is no way to communicate and exchange views among different religions. Racial and religious issues have become a complicated and obscure national condition of Malaysia.
There is a sensitive change for racial politics and religion in recent years. After BN nearly lost its regime during the 8 March general elections, the practice of racial politics has become worse. Other than racial issues, some people also stir up religious issue. However, those who play with fire may get burnt.
Also, the Islamic doctrines “imported” from the Middle East and Indonesia, including the fundamentalist revival movement, have affected the mentality of some believers.
In the last century, Malaysia was rich in natural resources with a promising future. However, it has been shadowed by the management of racial and religious issues. A total of 210,000 Malaysians had emigrated to foreign countries in the first eight months of 2009 and the capital outflow reached a total of RM14.6 billion in the first three quarters of last year. Meanwhile, we received only RM7.2 billion of foreign investment. From 2007 to Sept 2009, Malaysian enterprises had invested RM102 billion abroad, which was also 1.7 times of direct foreign investment in Malaysia.
If politicians continue to play up racial and religious issues, the economy will slip further, causing social instability.
In order to stop it, they must put an end to racial and religious politics, as well as prohibit racial politics and theocracy. Democracy is the only way out for the country. (By LIM SUE GOAN/translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)
