Today’s report of the threats made on Aisyah Tajuddin of BFM should serve as a huge red flag for Malaysia. I must admit that this made me stop dead in my tracks, pause for a moment and gulp for some air and then realise; I cannot recognise Malaysia any more.

Where is the progressive, cohesive society which we used to boast about, all these years? If our founding fathers were to return today would they recognise the country which they fought so hard to build? Or would they weep that we have gone so far away from the potential which could have been. A country so rich in resources, both human capital and raw minerals.                                     

Malaysia is not recognisable. Here are several reasons:

This latest threat is not a simple threat motivated by politics or by racial hatred as we have seen in the past. They were vile but they were not violent. This latest threat is filled with hate, self righteousness it is intolerant and violent. It was personal and towards a Malay woman, not only threatening her of her life or her freedom but of her dignity and role as a woman in society.  

What is worrying is that many would justify this person’s actions and would not hesitate to carry out such acts for the sake of their religion. Just read the comments in The Malay Mail Online report. It is scary.

Our leaders are muted and do not provide leadership. It gives a sense that this country is on auto-pilot and whoever shouts the loudest or threatens most will get his way. The polemical language gets louder and louder.

The inflation rate is skyrocketing and our lives are getting more and more difficult, yet our leaders continue to live in opulence like the emperors of old, making policies without care or concern for the citizenry who are struggling to make ends meet.

Our race relations are at an all-time low, with politicians milking the division for their own gain.  

The police are busy arresting opposition leaders and appear to be partial in their treatment of those they arrest.

Can you see the country which you grew up in? Sadly it's not there any more, hijacked by those who have selfish ambitions, denying Malaysia of the great country she could have been.