Yet, another derogatory incident occurs in our midst when a popular mart in Malaysia callously overlook the sensitivities of the Muslims though admitting it as an unfortunate ruckus.
Recurring issues like the proposal to gazette the New Chinese Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bak Kut Teh and most recent issue are part of those that have become harmful polemics and damaging to nation building based on harmony and understanding.
They are not just denigrating, but it was in fact a blatant act of disrespect and ignorance of the sensitivities of the Muslims.
Personally, I vehemently oppose the printing of the word “ALLAH” on socks. This blatant disrespect for such a sacred word is utterly unacceptable.
Furthemore, we must never trivialize the divine in such a manner. This kind of offense must never be repeated.
The role of all in Malaysia is to contribute to the diversity and richness of the country’s religious landscape while also respecting the special position of Islam as the religion of the majority and its position as the official religion enshrined by the Malaysian constitution.
Minorities and the majority must work towards promoting interfaith respect and understanding to foster harmony among different religious communities.
Each side, the majority and the minority, must play their roles in nurturing inter religious relations in Malaysia by engaging in open dialogue, promoting tolerance and acceptance, and working together towards common goals for the betterment of society.
It is important for both sides to listen to each other’s perspectives, address any grievances or misunderstandings, and find common ground to build a harmonious and inclusive society.
While politicizing the issue is seen to be further damaging, a non partisan political will is required to realize and accept the boundaries of tolerance and understanding.
In this regard, I believe education is key. Mainstream national education systems, often characterized by standardized curricula and teaching methods, can foster unity by providing a common framework of knowledge, language, and cultural understanding.
By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, mainstream education encourages interaction and collaboration among individuals with varied perspectives, fostering tolerance and empathy.
Furthermore, mainstream education often emphasizes national or global citizenship, promoting values of inclusivity and respect for diversity. This helps in transcending linguistic, religious, cultural, and regional barriers, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive society.
In contrast, vernacular education systems, while valuable in preserving local cultures and languages, may inadvertently reinforce divisions by focusing primarily on regional identities. While vernacular education is essential for preserving cultural heritage, it may not provide students with the broader perspective necessary to engage effectively in a globalized world.
Therefore, mainstream education, with its emphasis on common knowledge and values, has the potential to bridge differences and promote unity on a broader scale compared to vernacular education systems.
Let us all move in the right direction.
Mohd Roslan bin Mohd Saludin
Research Fellow
The Future Research
Research Fellow