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Racism's roots: The politicians or the people?

LETTER | When politicians and their sidekicks play racial and religious cards day in and day out, what does that tell us?

For sure some of us would blame politicians for being depraved and selfish. But I think it is much more than that.

Have we ever asked why politicians are resorting to such a strategy? Why do they love to divide and instigate to tear us apart?

I think many of us have failed to examine ourselves. Politicians resort to racial and religious cards because these “products” sell. Many of us are the victims of our own follies which the politicians fully exploit.

We hoist our racial and religious “flag” higher than our nations' own. We believe in racial and religious superiority over others. We believe our race and religion should enjoy more favourable treatments than others. We are racists and religious bigots but we fail to admit it. We always talk multiracial but think and act parochially.

If we are not, why do politicians keep dumping the same racial and religious products on us? So please admit it – many Malaysians are racists and religious bigots.

Malaysians are also short-term thinkers. We believe in a zero-sum game – i.e., the gain of one’s race and religion must be at the expense of others. Hence we fight and struggle based on race and religion.

We fail to recognise that a country’s progress is not a zero-sum game. “Dividends” from good governance, sound policies and prudent management are far greater than limited goodies dished out based on race or religion.

Just imagine how much more the government could do for every race and religion in the country if resources are not wasted through corruption, leakages and malfeasance. But sadly we want immediate gratification. We just want our race and our religion to be given preference and so we forget the big picture. Of late, is this not the main agenda of this nation, day in and day out?

We fail to recognise that discriminating against or making others poorer will not make us richer. Wealth and growth must come before distribution. If everyone is poor and struggling, there is nothing left for distribution, is there?All of us will become richer only if the country as a whole is made richer.

How does a country become richer? I am quite sure it is not by being racist or by resorting to discrimination. I am sure it is due to sound policies, good governance and prudent management.

But what do we do as Malaysians in this regard? I think many have continued to support racial parties and politicians who can make the most outlandish racial and religious remarks. We hardly want to talk about policies and programmes that will enhance wealth and provide a better living for the people of this country.

Seriously, we could be ignorant, stupid or racist, all of which are not the best qualities to have. Politicians see the opportunity and they take it.


The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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