M.Krishnamoorthy, A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Retired Captain Oo Kwan Huat, from Penang, in his opinion, said: “I am angry with politicians who use race and religion to split us up and destroy our beautiful and blessed country. When will this madness end? I certainly hope we have not passed the point of no return,” Oo penned his opinion to The Star (5th April 2024).
The disappointed ex-serviceman added: “I served this country as a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) officer and pilot for 20 years.
“Back then, race was never an issue, and we -Malays, Chinese and Indians -trained, played and ate together and went on missions to defend the country together. I had a couple of Malay friends who were very close to me.
“Regrettably, both of them met with tragic ends in air crashes. They were more than just friends; they were my brothers. They welcomed me into their homes, and one even invited me to share in the joy of breaking fast with their families. It deeply saddens me to witness the current state of our nation,” he expressed in a heartfelt column for The Star's Text Us initiative.
Adjacent to Oo’s views, Thanesh Tamalmani from Banting, Selangor, wrote in a letter: “Exploiting religious sensitivity to garner support is not just a breach of ethical conduct but also a potential threat to the nation’s peace and unity. As this practice becomes more prevalent, it becomes imperative to understand why such tactics are detrimental to Malaysia’s foundational values and what can be done to foster a more inclusive political discourse.
“Malaysia, home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples, is renowned worldwide for its multiculturalism. This rich diversity is also reflected in our religious landscape, where Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs are practised with freedom. However, the harmony we enjoy is not a given; it is a delicate balance that relies on our mutual respect and understanding.
“Some politicians' recent strategy of exploiting religious sensitivities is not only divisive but also undermines the social fabric that has been carefully woven over generations. By inflaming religious sentiments for political gain, these individuals risk creating rifts among communities that have lived side by side for centuries.
“The consequences of such actions are manifold. First, they distract from the pressing issues facing Malaysia today, such as economic recovery, educational reform, and environmental sustainability. Political discourse becomes mired in religious controversy rather than focusing on policies that would benefit all Malaysians regardless of their faith.
“The exploitation of religion in politics breeds intolerance and bigotry. Young Malaysians growing up in an environment where religious sensitivity is a tool for political mobilisation may develop skewed perceptions of their fellow citizens, seeing them through the prism of religious differences rather than shared national identity.
“Moreover, Malaysia’s standing on the global stage could be tarnished. In an era where inclusivity and human rights are increasingly valued, international partners may view such divisive tactics with concern, potentially impacting diplomatic and economic relations,” Thanesh added.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct 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.
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