The media was pushing the idea of “racism” or race-baiting in the election.
Malaysians have shown they are disgusted with racism and race-baiting. Malaysians have moved beyond the race or gender of a person as a hindrance to vote for a candidate, as it should be. Today, we have people of all races positioned every where & supporting each other irrespective of religious affiliation. So, was opposition Racist? I don’t think so.
It is not racist to vote against a candidate because of their politics, views and ideology. Race,Religion & Peace is an excuse used by some, because it does not deserve an explanation. It does not need one.
After the tragic setback, the race based parties like MIC & MCA are trying to reincarnate itself. Should they be allowed to grow again to cause racial disharmony and keep the people divided in the name of Race? These leaders are now finding difficulty to persuade people in terms of race. Isn’t that how it is supposed to be?
This universe has not been created by any extra-cosmic God, nor is it the work of any outside genius. It is self-creating, self-dissolving, self-manifesting, One Infinite Existence. Liberty of thought and action is the only condition of life, of growth and well-being. Where it does not exist, the man, the race, the nation must go.
No individual or nation can live by holding itself apart from the community of others, and wherever such an attempt has been made under false ideas of greatness, policy or holiness-the result has always been disastrous to the secluding one....
Malaysian Society is now at the cross roads of socio-political reformation after 50 years of independence .Our problems are complex because we have willfully accepted a diverse society of all religions, cultures and habits of living. The aspirations of the people are growing with the changing environment. Our society has become more open in recent times because of rapid growth in communication and all round development. It is but natural that this gap in meeting the aspirations is leading to problems of all types including race & religion.
Race & religion is truly a weapon of some nefarious short sighted persons to gain unfair and undue advantage over other fellow citizens. A question, MCA & MIC is raced party or not?
We can overcome the disease of racism by one or more of the following methods.
Racism originates when we ourselves create differences. First, we all must learn to identify ourselves as Malaysians instead of Indian, Chinese etc. “What we do, so we become”. Also has to stop using the words like "preferable chinese speaking" "bumis are encouraged to apply" in the advertisements.No matter what ones explanation for use of these words is, its final result is segregation.
The entire race based political parties like MIC, MCA must be eliminated as they will only help to maintain or increase racist mentality than eliminating it.
Our enlightened religious teachers should come forward to teach that all religions are the means of achieving the same end. When there are no differences in religions, how can differentiation in followers come? Today a large part of racism is linked to religion.
Create societal norms which strictly shun racism of any kind. It should be totally unacceptable at all levels. Unfortunately many of our leaders themselves are falling into a trap to this racism for quick and immediate gains.
Children are the torch bearers of Malaysia’s future. They should be taught in schools and colleges to be humanistic and be tolerant to others views. Every person is free to express his opinion and be a part of the Nation building process. This must be inculcated in the minds of children at a young age so that it blossoms when they grow. Are all our schools doing this?
Our national character must reflect anti -racism of any sort happening anywhere in the world. Unfortunately this is not happening today. We only reflect when anything goes against one religion. Typical example is the reaction to the Dutch movie. Dutch move cannot be justified, at the same time; we are forgetting to condemn similar behavior of other nations and our leaders irrespective of Religion, Color & Creed.Do you think, the move by one supermarket to protest dutch is genuine? According to me,its the similar stunt of BN to cash in on religion to boost their sales further.Just using the opportunity. Let it be.
Media has to take an active roll in propagating Bangsa Malaysia spirit.Any adavertisements which promotes racial segregation in the name of religion or race should be totally avoided.By saying so, this dosent mean that one should not promote ones religion.Its said to avoid segregation in terms of jobs,education and others of similar nature.
I have firm faith that Malaysia with diversity in culture will go through this period successfully.
-Vineeth Menon
