The fundamental problem in Malaysia today is racism and day by day it's escalating to another dangerous level.
Never can we ignore and shy away from the ugly truth that racism is the consequence of privilege, institutionalised discrimination and supremacist attitudes.
These are deplorable values passionately taught and steadily inculcated on a daily basis without remorse and/or regret.
Where is freedom of conscience and equal rights? And yet there is no large scale national effort to destroy the racist mentality.
When national policies and agendas are tainted and corrupted, can any country flourish? And will the future generations be ever treated fairly?
The only assault on racism is to openly condemn and reject it in whatever form it appears.
While the euphoria of the March 8, 2008 elections may have provided a ray of hope for a multiracial two-party political system, we must be never oblivious to the fact that the ugly racial politicking is making a comeback.
If it is allowed to fester, it will most certainly push the country backward.
The vast majority of Malaysians are interested in politics and not in racial politics.
But there are a large number of Malaysian politicians who continue inculcating and vehemently advocating race politics, not appreciating and recognising the dangers and consequences it could give rise to.
These unscrupulous politicians fail to understand that such a stance is capable of destroying not only their intended enemies but themselves as well.
Also it's even more frightening when the country is constantly being reminded of the racial riots of 1969.
Why the unfortunate need to remind us constantly? Is it not wiser to forget the dark days and move forward to create a better future for all?
Political parties and politicians in general must take stern action against members and others who irresponsibly and intentionally arouse racial sentiments.
Naturally the government must act swiftly on them without fear or favour so as to safeguard the sensitivities of the various communities.
But the paramount step would be to educate the public into accepting tolerance and mutual respect.
There is no doubt that those who act irresponsibly, do so for their own benefit and the rakyat must never succumb to these racial instigations which are intentionally raised to cause chaos and confusion.
We must therefore unite to do the right thing today by taking proactive measures to create a decent secular state that's peaceful and harmonious, by taking the following steps:
- Reject all race based policies and agendas;
- Reject political parties that fight for their respective races;
- Reject the indoctrination of the supremacist ideology;
- Boycott every activity urging racism;
- Any law enacted drafted with racism embedded in it must be challenged as unconstitutional.
However our greatest strength and defence is our ethnicity and diversity.
The only way to permanently cripple racism is to restructure our mindsets, foster community forums and establish solidarity networks to maintain discourse and interaction.
