PATRIOT is very concerned over the many racially or religiously charged statements and war cries that will be spewed during the 15th general election (GE15) campaign period.
We appeal to the caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to immediately outlaw any form of racism and religious divisiveness that will be used as political fodder and bait in the march into GE15.
Members of Patriot who have served in the forces know too well how difficult things can be when racism and religious extremism get out of hand.
Many of us who were in service on that fateful day, May 13, 1969, still harbour pangs of pain as we dutifully carried out our tasks in tackling the riots then.
Unfortunately, our political parties have still not fully grown out of this convoluted politicking as they continue to belt out racially charged statements and claims or profess to protect one religion while demonising other religions.
As law keepers who have sacrificed much for our beloved nation, we veterans know that building a progressive, peaceful and harmonious nation can be better achieved if we outlaw racially and religiously charged divisiveness among citizens.
If the prime minister’s passion for his Keluarga Malaysia is to add weightage then he must now, as the caretaker of the nation, completely ban any form of racism and religious bigotry in the run-up to GE15.
Outlawing this deadly poison of racial prejudices, hatred, distrust and the equally dangerous breeding of religious extremism and intolerance will help reset the nation post-GE15.
Failing to stop racism and religious extremism now is the most unpatriotic stance that certainly will jeopardise an entire nation, its people, and rulers who truly believe in building a greater future, a brighter Malaysia for all Malaysians.
Patriot hopes to hear a response from the caretaker prime minister in good time. – The Vibes, November 1, 2022
Datuk Zulkifli Mohamed, a retired deputy commissioner of police, is the deputy president of the National Patriots Association
