COMMENT | We expect a lot more from a govt that stresses unity

COMMENT | I don’t like racism, especially when it is systemic racism. It is bad enough that many people already inherently have racist tendencies, but it is a totally different ball game if an entire society’s operational structure incorporates racist policies and actions.

Let’s think on the extreme here - Nazi Germany, Rakhine state in Myanmar, the Uyghur regions in China, and Palestine, specifically in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

I’m sure that these names and places will invoke all kinds of angry and disgusted feelings in you readers - that is if you are actual human beings with empathy instead of psychopaths without a conscience.

A psychopath must not be confused with a sociopath because the latter knows what is wrong but does it anyway. But then again, anyone who is a racist could be both, no?

Human beings of any race, ethnicity, or even religion all have the same feelings and the same objectives in life. This is something that I am certain about.

We all feel pain, anger, disappointment, sadness, and frustration. We all want to live a happy, decent, and safe life. We want the best for ourselves, our family, our friends, and all our loved ones. In this day and age, I think we should just focus on these things.

Racial segregation?

It makes me so sad and angry to hear about the incident at the school in Johor Bahru. A workshop for weak students who are about to take the SPM examinations was organised but it is alleged that the workshop was only offered to Malay-Muslim students and not to others.

Of course, the public cried racism and the school and Education Ministry didn’t help the situation much with their statements and actions.

Contradicting statements were made and reported in the media. The ministry said the workshop was spilt into two so as to not bother students who were celebrating Chinese New Year.

However, the parents claimed the school’s principal said the workshop was necessary to help 40 Malay students who were weak and no mention was made of a second workshop for non-Malay students.

Now let’s make it clear, these are all allegations. It is a matter of “he said, she said”. No one is absolutely sure whether the school administration was racially selective or if the ministry was trying to cover up and not take responsibility. But the question is, why was this issue so easily seen through a racial lens? Is our society already so conditioned to matters of racism?

Strong action needed

I guess it would seem like our eyes are already tainted and that is the problem. It means that racism is so ingrained in our society that there is no escaping it. This is a problem that needs to be solved.

I agree with Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar when he said action needs to be taken if the allegations are found to be true. The ministry needs to take strong action if racial and religious segregation was really involved when it comes to education.

The sultan also said action needs to be taken if the allegations are false against those who irresponsibly spread such ideas.

We cannot continue to let Malaysia be tainted with racism and exclusivity. It has been going on for too long and now seems to be the right time for a change, especially for a problem that is systemic.

For a new government that has been stressing unity and reform, Malaysians are expecting a lot more.

ZAN AZLEE is a writer, documentary filmmaker, journalist, and academic. The Sheraton Move really frustrated him but maybe after November 2022, he can start feeling better again. Visit fatbidin.com to view his work.

Segregated SPM workshop: PTA says ministry, principal's answers inconsistent

Johor sultan wants action if claims of SPM workshop segregation true

MOE: Segregation in SPM workshop to avoid disrupting CNY celebration

Ministries to discuss need for children's sex ed after CNY - Nancy

MOE mulls improvement to early schooling aid payment process