EVERY time a political leader glorifies Malaysia, they will talk about how “rich” the country is due to its diverse population.
They will describe Malaysia as the melting pot of culture, tradition, language, race and religion.
But look a little deeper and we see the same politician somersaulting to pit us against each other using race and religion as a compelling narrative.
The play of race and religion on politics was the signature of the UMNO administration: a cleverly manipulated rhetoric to keep us divided. And today, we are still seeing the consequences on the ground.
It’s our 66th Merdeka come the 31st of August and unlike the yesteryears, I hardly see any enthusiasm in Malaysians flying the Jalur Gemilang.
There is much friction and hostility amongst the diverse people who make up the society. And I see the potential of such animosity escalating, with the reason being multi factorial – from the lacklustre economy and diminishing purchasing power to political grievances.
The Malays have been led to believe they are at the verge of losing their superior position as the rightful citizens of Malaysia.
The Chinese and Indians feel marginalised and deeply frustrated with Malay supremacy, translated into the rise of ethnonationalism on top of positive discrimination policies.
Malaysia has great potential if only it is not plagued by rampant greed for power, abuse of power, the use of preventive laws, the rise of hate speech and the continuing effort by some prominent individuals to put Malaysians in competition with each other based on their race and religion.
In this continuing toxic political game, key figures are moving their chess pieces to clinch even more positions of power while the rakyat struggle to make rent, pay bills, be gainfully employed, afford tuition for the children and the list goes on.
Oblivious to the suffering of the people or should I say dismissive of the ground realities, political bigwigs continue mud slinging and indulge in character assassinations despite being fully aware that such actions will frighten away investors and create political instability.
Another name for such toxicity is vendetta politics. But we can’t let these political figures win. We can’t allow them to dictate terms. We can’t allow them to divide us.
As I said earlier, we will be celebrating our Independence Day on Thursday. And as we do so let’s free ourselves from hate, so we can come together as one people.
Let’s break the shackles of racism and xenophobia and instead celebrate unity in diversity.
And let’s embrace one another as Malaysians. — August 30, 2023
Salam Hari Merdeka
Charles Santiago is former Klang MP and National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman