Political polarisation in Malaysia has reached a tipping point, with some of us still trying to digest the results that have led to a more divided nation – post-GE15-Malaysia will be a battle to keep Malaysia moderate.
Throughout the years, many discussions were initiated to highlight the effects of bigotry and visions of worst-case scenarios have been played out in our minds. Driven by relentless, ubiquitous stereotyping, the conflict between left and right is worsening – while PAS continues to demonise the non-Muslims in favour of consolidating their like minded supporters, Malaysians who do not share their vision of hate ought to unite to defend our democracy at all cost.
A short video has been circulating on social media depicting Member of Parliament (MP) of Kepala Batas, Dr Siti Mastura Mohamad, making a statement that alienates the non-Muslim voters in a way that is demeaning and discriminatory.
As it stands, this conduct is unbecoming of a Member of Parliament; as an elected representative of all the people of Kepala Batas, one must continue to serve all, irrespective of who they voted for, without prejudice and with empathy and compassion.
In an electorate with 83,081 voters that comprises 80.4 per cent Malay, 15.5 percent Chinese, 3.9 per cent Indian, and 0.2 per cent Others, polarising statements are unnecessary and have absolutely no place in a multicultural nation like Malaysia.
A key element of democracy is that all elections are done by a secret ballot; unless Dr Siti Mastura has received data to prove otherwise, in which case, this should be investigated by the authorities as it could represent a serious offence under Malaysia’s Elections Act 1958 and Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
In addition, let us not forget the fifth pillar of the Rukun Negara Malaysia, which calls for courtesy and morality – this should apply at all times, not just when people within your comfortable echo chambers are watching with puzzling gullibility.
The political history of Kepala Batas includes a Prime Minister who championed the cause of Islam through an intellectual approach recognised globally, commonly known as Islam Hadhari, where Muslims are encouraged to be “progressive, modern and moderate in their behaviour and attitude, such that they should not indulge in excessive actions or extremism in their zeal to be the best of example for mankind”.
Let’s not taint this concept with overzealous bigotry, as this is not the future we want for our nation; neither is this the type of narrative we want our children to hear. In this modern era of social media, everything you say will become a matter of public record and will be judged in the court of public opinion.