Part 3: Rakyat have come a long way in navigating political turbulence

KUALA LUMPUR – Since our independence on August 31, 1957, there have not been any major incidents in Malaysia like those in our neighbouring countries, which are involved endlessly in civil wars.

Within these 64 years, only two events took place that resulted in the rakyat experiencing a state of shock. But contrary to what could have happened, these two bloody incidents resulted in the rakyat becoming more tolerant and united.

May 13, 1969, is known to be the “Blackest Day” in Malaysian history which the rakyat still regard as the saddest episode that has left ever-lasting scars. However, the rakyat have full confidence that such a tragic incident will never occur again.

For some time, the rakyat remained uncertain about who the real culprits were and the reason behind the tragedy. Many fingers were pointed to the politicians. However, most people strongly believed that the racial clash was incited by supporters of political parties and not that it was due to a directive for violence from the parties’ leaders.

Unfortunately, people were more inclined to believe that the incident was due to racial segregation brought about by unfair economic policies. Some even felt that it was a coup d’état to remove Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister who was in power then.

Being deemed as ruthless behaviour, Malaysian politicians – irrespective of parties – would try their level best not to spark such violence as practised abroad. Having said that, the politicians must ensure that their behaviour is of most importance and strictly control their emotions.

If they do not control their emotions, such incidents will recur, with hardcore supporters taking matters into their own hands. It is not fair to paint a picture that politicians are the ones instigating violence while using their supporters as puppets.

Most people are of the opinion that DAP’s supporters and leaders are not communist and, therefore, it is not justified to label them as such. The same also applies to Umno when it championed the concept of “ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy).

The Memali incident was seen to be more associated with religion being manipulated by some parties, who tried to orchestrate it as a political stunt.

Pragmatically and unfortunately, religion and politics are seen standing side by side in the Malaysian culture. However, muddling the concept of religion and politics together is uncalled for.

Evidently, it is unjustified to use the Memali incident to condemn politicians just because Ibrahim Libya was a PAS member who happened to contest for the party during the 5th and 6th general elections.

At present, irrespective of race, the majority of Malaysians do not mind staying together provided they do not challenge the sensitivities of one another.

From past incidents and mistakes, the rakyat are learning to be more matured and more focused on a single goal, which is to prosper as a single nation.

Clearly today, the rakyat have come a long way learning to cope and tolerate with one another and recognise that they are never alone in facing difficulties.

This is the third of a six-part series in collaboration with Fat Bidin Media, which is on a campaign to counter and prevent violent extremism.

The Vibes intends to answer this pertinent question, “Are politicians the catalyst for extreme violence in Malaysia?”, by speaking to selected personalities, politicians, activists and prominent thinkers, in a series that runs every Friday at 4pm. – The Vibes, June 18, 2021

Read the previous parts here:

Part 2: Why the things politicians say matter

Part 1: Are politicians’ vindictive, race-based tactics weakening nation’s foundation?

Preview: Are politicians the catalyst for extreme violence in Malaysia?