Let's look for the good in each other

MALAYSIA is a beautiful land with plenty of potential. It is a wonderful and vibrant example of diversity and progress.

That's why it is all the more sad and frustrating when our national discourse gets knocked off course by unfortunate incidents that get blown out of hand and manipulated by those whose agenda is based on provocation and escalating tensions.

We are now halfway through the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan emphasises values such as self-discipline, empathy, generosity, and spiritual renewal.

It encourages Muslims to abstain from food and drink during daylight hours, reflect on their actions, and strengthen their faith and community ties.

Yet in recent times we have been confronted by issues that touch on the sensitivities of religious or ethnic feelings. Even during Ramadan we have had to deal with cases like a Facebook post falsely claiming that the call to prayer (azan) via loudspeakers at Masjid Ayer Kuning, Perak was no longer permitted.

Even now, the case is being investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under Section 233(1)(a) of Act 588. If convicted, the individual could face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

There is nothing wrong with Malaysians holding opposite points of view and different beliefs, but the engagement must be done with respect, not disdain.

Unfortunately, we live in an era where some have allowed themselves to be emotionally triggered by the issues and lash out at those from another community.

Worse still, instead of firmly rebutting this repugnant line, some political and community leaders resort to fuelling the tensions instead of quelling them.

In saying this, it is not my intention to dismiss the genuine fears and concerns of those involved. As government leaders, our role is clear. We have to strike the balance between defending freedom of speech and not allowing it to spill over into hate speech and incitement. We have to uphold the rule of law, and many times this involves letting established standing operating procedures (SOPs) take their course.

Let’s not forget that there are a range of procedures and investigating bodies such as the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and internal disciplinary actions in the case of large organisations. This results in different punitive actions which also give rise to the false claim of biased prosecution.

One thing is clear - as long as the narrative and discourse are determined by ethnic champions, we are always going to struggle to come together as Malaysians.

Look at the main opposition coalition of PAS and Bersatu plucking away at our unity by playing on sentiments of one group at the expense of others in the nation. And they are not the only ones doing so in our country. There exists in each community a group that speaks up for its own gain, to the detriment of others.

Under such circumstances, those of us holding a progressive, moderate and inclusive outlook must hold firm against the onslaught of provocateurs. We are compassionate Malaysians, loyal to our beliefs and respectful of others. This has never changed.

Like every nation we have scars. In our distant history, racial tensions even spilled over into deadly violence, most notably in 1969 when they brought our country to a standstill. Those dark days are a warning of what happened when emotions bubbled over.

It is clear that an eye for an eye will make us all blind.

In the big picture, our country is rebuilding solidly from the political chaos of the post-Sheraton Move and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are putting up good numbers when it comes to Gross Domestic Product growth (up 5.1% in 2024), EPF dividends (6.3% was the highest since 2017) and a historic high of RM378.5bil in foreign direct investments, generating more than 207,000 jobs in 2024.

There is much to rejoice in, much to look forward to. To place ourselves firmly on the correct path, we must ensure that our diversity is built up into a strength, not continually used to divide us.

> Fahmi Fadzil is the Communications Minister