COMMENT | Racial politicking has now entered into a danger zone. Constructive change must start before our nation and society descend into permanent destruction.

The last few by-elections saw politicians made racially-charged speeches aimed at inciting hatred just to secure votes. During that time, one of the most ridiculous statements was made: non-Malays should not be appointed as chief justice, attorney-general, and finance minister because Malay privileges could not be defended and also those appointed could not take the oath of office on the Quran.

The latest development in which MCA and MIC are asked to leave the BN coalition is mischievous and bewildering, and further indicates that politics has rolled back into pure racism.

BN’s founding fathers had forged a coalition to strengthen unity among the three major races. Historically, it was pragmatic then for race-based political parties to be formed.

But now, this bond of brotherliness and friendship among the various races that our founding fathers had forged for this nation is being threatened by selfish and self-centred politicians, particularly by those who once held powerful positions in the government before.

Both Umno and PAS have each become a one-issue party, harping on Malay supremacy or Malay-Muslim unity against others. This has led certain Pakatan Harapan politicians to propagate the Malay agenda.

One sure way to rid the country of racism is by having non-race-based political parties. We urge all political parties to move towards achieving this end in sync with the multi-racial nature of our society.

The Malaysian society cannot remain parochial in its outlook any longer after six decades of independence. We ought to be more inclusive in facing the challenges as truly one Malaysian people.

We have had enough of the politics of building obstacles instead of bridges, enough of the politics of "them versus us", and enough of the politics of exclusivity.

These are dark political clouds blocking the glorious Malaysian sun. Tolerance and understanding are being replaced with racial hatred. The propagation of race and religion now takes centre stage, and if this is allowed to continue, there is little hope of ever seeing a united society.

Patriot wants to say to all political leaders: “Get back on track to think as Malaysian first and not otherwise. Serve all Malaysian people and not exercise parochial politics and show bias towards a particular race."

Finally, we say this: “The dismantling of race-based political party is our only hope of seeing the emergence of a truly undivided Malaysian society, thus fulfilling our dream of a harmonious, prosperous and progressive Malaysia."

MOHAMED ARSHAD RAJI is the president of Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan.

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