KUALA LUMPUR – In a span of just a few days, Malaysians have witnessed a Muslim preacher’s disparaging religious remarks and a Malay politician’s racial slur on Facebook.
These incidents have set the nation abuzz, with Malaysians raising concerns over the rising tide of racism in the country, some fearing that it could spark unrest.
However, former Umno MP Mohd Tawfik Ismail said that the current government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, does not have the political will to combat racial discrimination in the country.
Speaking to The Vibes, the former Sg Benut MP said it is unfortunate that the government only wants to perpetuate an all-Malay government concept, as it would cast Ismail Sabri’s administration in a bad light.
“It doesn’t appear that they have the will to counter it. The minute someone who looks like a preacher from a religious establishment (makes a racial comment), the government is afraid (to voice its opinions) because it doesn’t want to upset its PAS partners.
“I think this kind of constraint harms the image of Malays and Muslims, generally, because it shows that there is no leadership,” said Tawfik, the eldest son of Tun Ismail Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister.
Yesterday, several non-governmental organisations, civil society groups and activists filed police reports en masse in 17 districts nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, against preacher Ustaz Syakir Nasoha, who was seen in a viral video making derogatory comments about non-Muslim religions and the Dayak community.
Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar has urged the government to table a religious and racial hatred bill in Parliament to protect the unity and harmony of all Malaysians.
Meanwhile, national shuttler S. Kisona also became the target of a netizen who referred to her using the derogatory term “keling” on Facebook.
The Facebook user, Borhan Che Rahim, yesterday issued an apology and tendered his resignation as deputy chief of Bersatu’s Pasir Puteh division in Kelantan.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had earlier yesterday stated that it is appalled by the racist remarks.
The Facebook post angered netizens and those in the sports fraternity.
Tawfik told The Vibes that he lodged a police report against Syakir yesterday for insulting non-Muslim religions and inciting unrest and hatred among Muslims towards individuals of other beliefs.
“I urged the police, other than investigating Syakir for breach of law, to seek a court order to commit him to mental and psychiatric examination at a government psychiatric hospital or facility as I truly believe he is a danger to society and those around him.
“I believe no person of sound mind would utter the words or threats that he has done,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment with political leaders who have not come forward to speak on, condemn or take action against Syakir and Borhan.
“When civil societies and people like myself make a police report, it is to draw the attention of the authorities and those in power that something has to be done before it boils over.
“Something is wrong when you have ministers like National Unity Minister (Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique), with the power and the reach to speak out, but she is silent.”
In addition, he stressed that the people must not be silenced as freedom of speech is essential for society to thrive.
“It is especially important that Malaysians not be silenced and the people of all races and religions be allowed to make noise. If something is wrong, we have to say it’s wrong.
“It is our duty as Malaysians and as Muslims and Malays to make others accountable for their actions,” he said.
Moving forward, Tawfik advised Putrajaya to be more mindful that this is a country with a diverse population and it is vital to showcase that the government is multiracial in all aspects.
“I think the government doesn’t seem to be worried about the demographics. There is a bit of arrogance in the way things are conducted, to say that other races don’t matter. I think this is something that is very apparent and unacceptable.
“For instance, in Parliament, you have lawmakers of all races and religions. How do you legislate on something based on Islam or any religion? It doesn’t make any sense, nor is it fair.” – The Vibes, October 4, 2021
