Progress or Backwardness

Building a Strong Nation is Not Easy

Political survival is just like any survival as it concerns over life and death therefore to survive politically, politicians and the organisations they are affiliated to need to change in order for them to continue. Today, Malaysia has not only progress economically but it is also followed closely by political pragmatism. Racial based politics which has been the backbone of political organisation has slowly progressed into a more open and pragmatic styles.

Pas and DAP are two political entities which have shown maturity and progress albeit its slow paces. Both once are known with their extremism at two ends while BN/UMNO/PKR are viewed to be more moderate. The aftermath of the 12th General Election has really proven that both Pas and DAP can really work together to offer a better if not the best alternative to the BN concept. Admittedly, there is still a long and thorny way ahead but with sincerity and high commitment, they can really work it out beautifully.

Islam is about tolerance and co-operation thus it is only right for Pas to open up a little and accommodate DAP without abandoning their objectives to among others introduce Shariah and Hudud. Through continuous and constant efforts coupled with sincerity and humility, with the grace of the Almighty, Malaysians will embrace Shariah and Hudud wholeheartedly. During the Kuala Terengganu by election, some local Chinese are asked about Hudud and it is heart warming to listen to positive comments. That is only possible through constant and sincere propagation or education of what Hudud is really about. Sadly, instead of telling the truth leaders today rather mislead the non Muslim public as to what Hudud is about- for their political survival!

While Pas and DAP are moving towards a true and sincere reconciliation, unfortunately UMNO being the dominant entity in BN is moving backward into the space previously occupied by both Pas and DAP. They have become too entrenched in their belief of Malay Supremacy. In order for them to appeal to the public, they consciously disguise their struggle with that of to uphold Islam. Islam is colour and race blind as long as one embraces Islam therefore he or she should be accepted fully without anymore conditions.

Being social animals, such misleading belief is not surprising since we tend to safeguard our territory from being encroached and trespassed by unwelcome elements. We identify ourselves to certain groups merely to fulfill and follow our instinct; for security and belongingness. Indeed, Islam itself encourage that its followers congregate together for unity. Sadly, in Malaysia being a Muslim automatically identifies one as a Malay since he or she inadvertently practise some Malay culture and life styles. Hence, we are familiar with the phrase 'Masuk Melayu' though it is actually embrace Islam.

The Orang Asli themselves are Malays from sociology point of view but some of them do not profess Islam. Some natives in Sabah and Sarawak are not Malays but they are Muslims. There are some Malays who have converted into other religions; Joshua Jamaluddin, Lina Joy, Nor'aishah Bukhari and many others. Ethnically they are Malays and we cannot identify them with other races since biologically they belong to the Malays but with a twist- they are no longer Muslims.

Understandably, UMNO has become 'extreme' for its political survival since it is a Malay based party but to drag Islam together is certainly deplorable and wrong. Pas as its name denotes is a religion based organisation though it coincides with Malays being its members since majority of Malays are Muslims. To equate Muslim with Malay has its advantages and admittedly such has contribute towards the development of Islam but it is still wrong. It is just like blaming the father for his son's crime just because the son carries his name. The son individually must shoulder the burden since he is the one who commits the crime and not the father. Today, because of the way we look at things, Islam is being blamed for acts of terrorism though Islam has never condoned such heinous act. Similarly, some narrow minded Malaysians blame Islam for what is done by its followers.

This entry does not in any way viewed as trying to incite racial distrust but it is more towards looking at religion and progress from a more accurate point of view. Muslims can be Indians, Malays, Chinese, Dusun, Kadazan, Iban, Bidayuh and other races since it is the truth!

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King Jr.