M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, associate professor and an author
The new King, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Anwar Ibrahim have the distinctive quality of grit to lead Malaysia. Their vision is to move Malaysia forward as a dynamic and progressive nation. Anwar is leading the country in his second year during unprecedented and challenging times.
I am confident the new King will play a key role, and Anwar together will nip religious fanaticism and racism. Both will strive endlessly to stop the country from corruption, racism, race supremacy, and religious bigotry.
These issues must be addressed without delay to stop the brain drain, attract investors, and put the economy back to rapid growth. Malaysians are hoping the new King will mentor and brainstorm with Anwar and make Malaysia great again.
About six years ago, Sultan Ibrahim hit out Islamic fanatics and spoke out against various forbidden practices on grounds of religion to the point of impracticality, pointing out that it would become impossible to live in a community.
He raised this matter when elaborating on a Muslims-only laundrette, which had refused to serve non-Muslim customers on grounds of "purity". "Think for yourselves. What about seats in public places that may have been licked by dogs or pillows and blankets in hotels that have come in contact with najis (unclean things or faeces).
“This will never end. If everything is to be forbidden, then my advice is - it will be better to live alone in a cave instead of living in a community," Sultan Ibrahim said in his speech at the 17th Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) convocation in Batu Pahat in October 2017.
A video of the speech was uploaded on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page. Likewise, Sultan Ibrahim said, Ringgit notes may have also been exchanged or touched by pork or liquor sellers. "Will the government then have to produce Muslim-friendly money?" he asked.
Touching on the Muslims-only laundrette, on which he had ordered that the controversial policy be done away with, Sultan Ibrahim said such a practice would serve to divide the people. "As head of religion, it is my duty to maintain the peace and unity among the multi-racial people in this state. Therefore, whatever that I feel will lead to division, there will be immediate action," he said.
He added that such a practice was "extreme" and went on to emphasise that Islam upheld harmony and doing good, even to people who are not of the same religion. "This narrow mindset is not the way of Muslims in Johor," he said.
The King and Anwar have a distinctive quality of grit and are determined to lead Malaysia forward. Anwar is leading the country in his second year during unprecedented, challenging times and an imminent recession.
Morally, what we need is religious and racial harmony. In the next five years, there will hopefully be a time of religious and racial harmony, as Sultan Ibrahim would be very strict with any politician who plays up the sentiments to divide and rule by race or religion.
Together with PMX, hopefully Sultan Ibrahim will be able to bring the nation back on track again where Malaysians can exist as one Bangsa Malaysia (One Malaysian Race) yet maintaining the richness of cultural and ethnic diversities.
Another important issue the Reformasi Government must focus on is the decline in the quality of education in national schools. This is why there is a thinking among parents that education in international schools might provide their children with a more holistic education than what is provided in national schools. But, not all Malaysian parents can afford to send their children to international schools. In fact, most local children go to national or public schools.
The quality of education in national schools can be improved to ensure they remain multi-racial and cater to Malaysians irrespective of race or religion.
Let’s end racism together. It starts with me and you. Anwar’s leadership, empathy, kindness, and love for Malaysians returned him to serve the people as a beacon of light. Anwar’s premiership is heralded as the dawn of a new and united Malaysia. Let’s hope, pray and allow Anwar to make the Cabinet changes, ridding of deadwood and racist Ministers to steer Malaysia to prosperity.
Let’s wish Anwar and our leaders leapfrog the nation to technological advancement, modernisation, high-quality development by overcoming economic challenges and make steady progress. This means a broader market and unprecedented cooperation opportunities. It will also instil strong impetus for Malaysia’s e globalisation.
None of us are in control of the result. God willing and hopefully, with Anwar’s drive and determination, we are destined to succeed. Let’s spread LOVE to all Malaysians whatever race we belong to. Say NO to RACISM.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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