Has Anwar Ibrahim's Madani administration “lost its grip” on the very narrative of unity and inclusivity it once so valiantly championed?”
Last Wednesday (March 18) – as Aidilfitri celebrations beckoned – a ray of hope emerged in the country after several Malay and Indian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) met in Putrajaya. The goal was to find a “point of reconciliation” to reach an amicable, comprehensive resolution to the bitter friction between the two communities.
Interestingly, among the proposals raised was said to be the setting up of a special committee or department under the Prime Minister’s Department to coordinate related issues, as well as the implementation of a nationwide audit of places of worship to obtain accurate data on land status.
According to reports, it was also proposed that the toxic rhetoric on social media had to be stopped immediately. At first glance, it was a bold, noble attempt to restore communal peace.
But why did the vast majority of Indian community leaders and organisations “boycott” it?
In fact, even influential groups such as the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) and the National Hindu Temples Steering Committee (NHTSC) had reportedly rejected the so-called “peace talks.”
Likewise, two senior DAP politicians, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and senator RA Lingeshwaran were also believed to have declined the invitation at the last minute after learning that controversial preachers Firdaus Wong and Zamri Vinoth would be in attendance.
Can simplistic "solutions" work for deep-rooted issues relating to religious sensitivities?
As detractors would be quick to point out: to know whether the powwow was successful or not, one simple question suffices: was there any “resolution” passed where the attendees had pledged to tone down all forms of inflammatory rhetoric touching on race and religion? If not, then what exactly did the meeting achieve?
Unsurprisingly, after the meeting, it was “business as usual” with popular Chinese convert preacher Firdaus Wong seemingly mocking some of the Indian leaders who had chosen not to show up.
So why did they stay away?
Perhaps, that question was answered by outspoken former DAP strongman Prof Dr P Ramasamy who explained that without “respect and dignity” for Hindus in this country, no dialogue aimed at reducing ethnic and religious tensions can succeed.
And so the burning question remains: why does the Madani government appear to be forever in a state of semi-paralysis – seemingly hesitant to clamp down on the slurs and provocations directed at the Indian-Hindu community here?
Meanwhile, retired journalist Phlip Rodrigues in his hardhitting style also sounded the alarm on the rising tensions and urged the police, and the army, to hold an urgent joint press conference.
According to him, it is not only to allay the fears of the public but also to warn that swift, fair and transparent action would be taken against anyone who exploits sensitive religious issues that threaten the country's security and peace – irrespective of their ethnicity and religious affiliation.
To reinforce that, he even proposed that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim call for a special press conference together with the nation's other political leaders to send out a strong warning to all those bent on stoking tensions to dial back – or face the full force of the law.
But as many will ask: what's the point of issuing “stern warnings” repeatedly if action is not taken against the rabble-rousers – including those on social media platforms – who appear to be literally getting away with murder?
Like it or not, matters have indeed spiralled out of control. Worse still, fake news, including one claiming that an activist’s house was burnt down had gone viral before an apology was tendered by the uploader – unfairly instigating even ordinary, peaceloving people to react!
Interestingly, some cynics may also allege that the current dire situation has been allowed to deteriorate perhaps to distract from other pressing issues currently plaguing the administration – most notably, the unresolved controversies surrounding the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its chief Azam Baki.
Testing the waters…?
Or maybe, it is part of a broader, concerted effort by political actors and their operatives to force an early general election. In that context, could the ongoing mayhem in the country be part of a “political manoeuvre” to gauge public sentiments in order to carve out a winning strategy?
Could that also be the reason why some politicians from both sides of the divide have chosen not to be too vocal so as not to offend their targeted demographic – when they are supposed to be “fighting” for racial harmony and social justice to prevail in these dangerous times?
Still the question in the minds of many may well be: has the Madani government led by PMX done enough to warrant a second term in Putrajaya? True, a slew of people-centric initiatives have been carried out and some reform pledges have indeed been fulfilled; likewise the country's economy also appears to be on a more stable footing although the rising cost of living remains a major concern.
But what about the uneasy, underlying racial tension – will it ever end?
In fact, from the KK Mart “Allah socks” controversy and the upside-down flag incidents, to the furore over brewery sponsorships in vernacular schools, and the recent vigilante crackdown on so-called “illegal” houses of worship – haven't overzealous elements been “permitted” to control the narrative and hijack national unity – at the expense of minority sensitivities? In that context, has the Madani administration convincingly passed any of those crucial tests?"
Main information source: The Sun Daily, Focus Malaysia, Malaysia Now and Malaysiakini.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.