LETTER | In the last few years, particularly after the 2008 general election, Malaysia witnessed a drastic increase in religiously motivated persecution, intolerance, and crimes.

For example, the Herald decision and the ban on the use of the word 'Allah' came during this period. The demands for removal of the cross in a Christian Church by a group led by the brother of the former inspector-general of police and the cow head protest came during this time.

Many infamous extremist figures, such as Ibrahim Ali to Jamal Md Yunos arose during this period, causing havoc and threatening the freedoms and practices of non-Muslims in this country.

They objected to non-Islamic ways of life. They demanded superiority over other faiths. PAS was also mobilising to interrupt and object to Oktoberfest and Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The chaos in the last decade occurred because the Umno-led government was portraying itself as a defender of race and religion. The support they had enjoyed before 2008 was fading away. They had to strategise for their survival. The path that they had chosen was an extremist one. To become more vulgar, bolder, persuasive and extreme in their policies, statements and practices. They went all out, abusing religion as their tool for survival. Malaysia was being governed by political Islamic principles.

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in the US, was quoted by The Diplomat in August 2017 as saying: “Malaysia has become steadily more intolerant, and this has been a top-down government policy."

The results of this government policy was devastating. It translated into the ground, duping many into a false sense of insecurity. Many believed the racist superficial preaching of these Umno leaders which were being relayed through the controlled sermons and the mainstream media. They believed all the lies being told and hatred being preached towards the different communities in Malaysia.

Some started becoming intolerant. Remember the incident where non-Muslim students were told to eat in the toilet during Ramadan? Remember when females were told to wear sarungs by security guards to cover up their “aurat” when entering government departments? This was a result of the continued indoctrination.

PAS took this as an opportunity to further push their Islamisation agenda, including the call for hudud.

By 2018, many were already starting to understand what was happening. Many realised that they were being fooled on the pretext of race and religion. Our money was being robbed. Our society was so divided as never before. We were being told lies and pitted against each other for the political survival of Umno, MCA and MIC were fed by contracts and concessions to submit to the will of the master.

We had to make this right as Malaysians. Thanks to the many progressive Muslims, great figures came out hard to speak up against extremist and racist policies.

There were many Muslim figures that took leadership to protest against this madness and change in the culture of Malaysians. They were worried about the direction of the country and how their religion is being misused. The May 9 success could not have happened without the support of these progressive Malays and Muslims themselves. 

Today, after May 9, we are still seeing the effects of the Umno indoctrination during the decade. Among others, once again the Oktoberfest issue in Johor and the Pork sale issue in Malacca.

It is shocking to learn that the Harapan-led Johor government would not approve Oktoberfest to be organised in the state. According to the Menteri Besar Osman Sapian, the festival is not a Malaysian culture and therefore should be ignored by both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Osman fails to understand that this is not about the issue of whether it is Malaysian culture or not. It is an issue about the rights of non-Muslims to enjoy their freedoms and beliefs. It is an issue about tolerance in a multi-racial country. Your faith and beliefs to yourself, and mine to myself.

Similarly, the issue of pork being sold inside the Malacca International Trade Center. It is unjust and madness for the authorities to shut down the shop on public complains. These shops had clearly displayed their non-halal signs. 

I truly understand the sensitivity of our Muslim brothers and sisters when it comes to pork, beers or halal food in general. Similarly, take for example beef dishes that are being sold in schools, in government canteens, and other public places. It is equally forbidden by the Hindu religion to consume beef or even to kill a cow. In some rural parts of India, in some rural parts, people are murdered on the streets if they were found to have slaughtered a cow.

However, in Malaysia, in a multi-cultural context, where our strength and beauty lays, I believe that our Hindu brothers and sisters have no issues with these dishes being served in those places. It is the right of the individual and every Malaysian should respect and tolerate that.

It is sad to note that the Harapan government has failed to lead by example and do the right thing in these recent incidents. It is the government's duty to protect the interest of every citizen. The rights and freedoms of citizens stand above religion and beliefs. If you are unable to take this stand, then please make way for other capable leaders to take over.

Remember, our country is a democratic country, ruled on secular principles and law. Yes, we do have syariah practice in certain areas, such as in marriage and divorce, however, these are limited to Muslims, and non-Muslims respects that choice.

As in the Malacca case, the mayor should be reminded that the International trade Centre was built with taxes from all Malaysians. It is a state property belonging to all Malaysians. Everyone has the equal right to use it.

Interestingly, there has been not much criticism or none at this point on both these issues from Harapan leaders who would have previously voiced out strongly. Why are many leaders in Harapan silent about this? I congratulate the Selangor government though, for already stating their approach to Oktoberfest.

We need leaders from Harapan to stand up to such issues, and help bring back some sense to Malaysians – not just from DAP, but from Bersatu and Keadilan as well.

We need to put a stop to this madness of extremist ideologies that separates our society and divides us.

Harapan leaders play a very important role to help lead back many lost Muslims into the path of moderation and tolerance. You have got to tell them that, although the official religion of Malaysia is Islam, Malaysia is a secular country, and the rights of non-Muslims and Muslims must be respected. We need to bring back the freedom we once enjoyed in this country.

So where are the Harapan leaders during this time? Why have you not rebuked the Harapan-led Malacca and Johor states? Are you going to be afraid of losing support in the next general election, or be a true leader and make the right decision to stand up to your duty as representatives of all Malaysians?

In the build-up to the last general elections, many Harapan leaders, particularly from Amanah and Bersatu, went campaigning in temples and churches, preaching moderation and tolerance. Please walk the talk now. God bless Malaysia.

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