I refer to the news report titled “PAS urges punishment for DAP for playing the 3R sentiment” where PAS Information Chief, Khairil Nizam Khirudin reportedly urged action against DAP after accusing the party of exploiting the 3R sentiment (religion, racial, and royalty) ahead of the upcoming state election.
As usual, PAS continues to play their damaging narrative of “Everything is DAP’s fault,” especially in the run-up to the forthcoming state election.
Such outdated tactics are predictable and reflect the reality that the other side has run out of ideas. I would like to remind Khairil Nizam’s that DAP’s policy clearly supports a Parliamentary Democracy system and a Constitutional Monarchy – both enshrined in the 2012 Shah Alam Declaration, which contains the following content:
- Defending the Parliamentary Democracy system and the Constitutional Monarchy with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Head of State. DAP is committed to upholding the Malaysian Federal Constitution as the supreme law of the nation and to glorify it in the spirit of the 1957 Independence and the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.
- Preserving the special position of Malays and Bumiputera as well as the rights of other races, as stipulated in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
- Ensuring the position of Islam as the Federal religion and the freedom to practice other religions peacefully, as stipulated in Articles 3 and 11 of the Federal Constitution.
- Dignifying Bahasa Malaysia as the National Language as enshrined in Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, and encouraging the use and study of other mother tongues to form an excellent multilingual society.
Thus, it is clear that our vision and beliefs are always in line with the above matters.
Conversely, what worries us are the statements coming from PAS leaders themselves, which are seen as touching the sensitivity of the people in this country. Who can forget the statement made by PAS President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who claimed that non-Muslim and non-Bumiputera communities are the group most involved in corruption.
Previously, there was also a social media buzz about Abdul Hadi continuously questioning the appointment of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th Prime Minister. Berita Harian reported that this was because he was allegedly mocking the decision of the Palace by linking the appointment to injury time in a football match.
Using a football match as an analogy, the Deputy Chairman of the National Perikatan (PN) said that the way Anwar was appointed was like giving extra time to allow the Pakatan Harapan (PH) to gather more Members of Parliament to support him.
Issues touching on the sensitivity of our diverse communities must stop. Using dangerous rhetoric involving race and religious sentiment is extremely damaging to nation building and can prevent much needed social reforms in our country.
Our human history has been adorned with the colourful diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and religions that are countless. This diversity brings about the richness and beauty of our world.
However, despite the progress we have achieved as a global society, religious bigotry continues to overshadow our collective awareness.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the importance of protecting this diversity and eradicating religious bigotry, towards fostering understanding, peace, and harmony among individuals and communities.
Extremist movements typically show a tendency to disregard human rights and freedoms. By imposing rigid dogma and intolerant beliefs, these movements restrict freedom of speech, religion, and conscience. They harm democratic principles, fairness, and justice, fostering an environment full of fear and oppression.
Acting to exploit divisions and fuel hatred, extremists deepen social rifts, leading to increased discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization. This erosion of social unity weakens the bonds that unite communities, stunting progress, and hindering collaborative efforts to tackle shared challenges.
In extreme cases, it can also lead to a breakdown of social fabric and the emergence of societal turmoil.
In this regard, I invite Malaysians regardless of race and religion to unite in stopping this extremist movement and to foster understanding, peace, and harmony among each other for a better Malaysia for future generations.