MALAYSIA - once celebrated as a beacon of multicultural harmony, now finds itself in the throes of growing racial and religious intolerance.
"The unity that bound us together is being tested like never before, as incidents of bigotry, misunderstanding, and divisiveness become disturbingly common," said Bukit Bendera MP, Syerleena Abdul Rashid.
She said the recent controversy surrounding the labelling of "ham" on food products serves as a glaring example of how easily our nation is triggered.
"Instead of being an opportunity to educate and build understanding, it became yet another flashpoint for outrage and division, fueled by mistrust and ignorance.
"This growing fragility stands in stark contrast to the foundation upon which our nation was built," she said.
Malaysia is a federation forged by the efforts of people from diverse backgrounds who worked together to build a better future.
"Malays, Chinese and Indians, alongside indigenous communities and others, built the systems and structures that form the backbone of our country.
"Their hard work and sacrifices were grounded in a shared belief that this diversity could thrive as the foundation of a unified nation.
"Yet today, respect, which was once a cornerstone of our society, is becoming a rarity," she said.
Instead of celebrating our differences, Syerleena said many have chosen to exploit them for personal or political gain.
Our shared spaces - whether in schools, workplaces, or online platforms are increasingly marred by suspicion, resentment, and hostility, she added.
She said the rise of intolerance doesn’t happen in a vacuum - it thrives when good people stay silent, when certain politicians use race and religion as tools for power, and when society fails to push back against hate.
"We cannot let this rot fester any longer. The stakes are too high. We must stand firmly against bigotry in every form, refusing to let hatred divide us.
"Those who exploit race and religion for personal or political gain must be held accountable without compromise," she added. - January 16, 2025
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