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By Mihar Dias Copyright (C) July 2023
In a multiracial society like ours, every citizen's right to express views, voice concerns, and hold leaders accountable for their actions is the fundamental pillar of democracy.
Recently, a voter from the Selangor state constituency of Kota Anggerik, Shanker Sundaram, exemplified the essence of democratic participation when he interrupted none other than Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself during the announcement of PKR candidates for the upcoming state polls.
Shanker's actions were a response to the party's decision to field Najwan Halimi, who recently made a racist remark about the Indian community.
It is commendable that Shanker Sundaram and his brother took a stand against the nomination of Najwan Halimi, despite it being an internal party matter.
The incident highlighted the need for political leaders to be sensitive to the sentiments of their constituents and the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive political landscape.
In his response to the protests, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exhibited a dismissive attitude, attributing Najwan's racist remark as a mere “mistake.”
Such a response raises valid concerns about a leader's ability to address racism within his party and among the candidates.
Anwar's claim of having the final say on the list of candidates is true in principle, but it should not exempt him from the responsibility of acknowledging and rectifying mistakes made by potential representatives of the people.
Racism has no place in any political party, and it is crucial for leaders to lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and fairness.
The remark made by Najwan Halimi, while regrettable, must be seen as an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its unwavering stance against discrimination of any kind.
Shanker Sundaram's disappointment with Anwar's response reflects the sentiments of many Malaysians who believe that political leaders must uphold their commitments to supporting all communities.
In fact, PH has been attacking Tun Mahathir vociferously over his Malay Proclamation as being a racist oriented stance. PMX himself has objected strongly to Tun Mahathir's latest political vehicle to unite Malays under that banner.
The Indian community, like every other community in the country, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
Ignoring or downplaying instances of racism from potential candidates sends the wrong message to the public and undermines the principles of equality and justice in our country.
Political leaders, PMX included, must strive to create an environment where all communities feel valued and represented.
This starts with holding individuals accountable for their actions and words, particularly those seeking public office.
Najwan Halimi's subsequent apology for his ignorant comment is a step in the right direction, but it can not be the end of the matter.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leadership should take this incident as an opportunity to conduct thorough internal discussions on racial sensitivity and diversity.
Public statements condemning racism are not enough; concrete actions are required to instil a culture of inclusivity within the party and demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding the values of a diverse Malaysia.
It is essential for political parties, in particular PKR, to incorporate educational programmes and training that promote cultural understanding and foster appreciation for Malaysia's multi-ethnic heritage.
By doing so, parties can better equip their members to represent the interests of the people and respond responsibly to diverse challenges faced by the nation.
As Malaysians, we must stand together to condemn all forms of discrimination, regardless of the source.
Political leaders, PMX included, should lead by example, setting the standard for a more tolerant and accepting society. Perhaps not nominating Najwan would send a clear message to others who have are racists.
In the meantime, by addressing racism within their ranks, all political parties can contribute significantly towards building a united and prosperous Malaysia.
In conclusion, Shanker Sundaram's act of protest should serve as a wake-up call for PKR, PMX, and all political parties in Malaysia.
We must prioritize inclusivity and diversity as integral elements of our nation's democratic fabric.
Political leaders must rise to the occasion and demonstrate their commitment to addressing racism and discrimination within their ranks.
Only then can we hope to build a nation where every citizen's voice is heard, and all communities are treated with the respect they rightly deserve.
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