The recent warning issued by DPM of a bloody incident if
racial tensions left is unchecked, deeply troubled me as the statement was
coming from someone very senior in the Federal Government. Some politicians
have come in defence of the DPM while others are further accusing him.
Is the situation so critical? Are people feeling a sense of
tension and fear to leave their homes or go to the Ramadan baazar? This is not
really so and therefore we need to reflect where the tensions lie today in
Malaysian society and what solutions are at hand
Understanding
the current dynamics
First, there is clearly a political divide. Politicians
from both sides of the political divide are attacking each other on various
issues. This is especially so after GE 13 where there is a greater call to
public accountability. This is part of the changed political environment where
politicians of which ever political party especially those holding office are
called to account. We must encourage politicians to speak up and stand up for
their policies and actions.
Second, there is a very vibrant civil society action. One
can brand them as right wing or Federal Government linked and others as
critical of Federal Government. Many groups and individuals are speaking up and
therefore they are finding the space in the traditional or social media to
share their views in public. This too is healthy within a democratic tradition
and since GE 13 many more groups are speaking up.
Three, there are some groups who use words or ideas which
are very exclusive and offensive to others. They could be using intimidation
and even threats of violence in expressing their views or warning others to not
voice out. Non peaceful ways are not acceptable in democracy or even threats of
violence or intimidation. Objective, rational and alternative views can be
expressed within a democratic society.
Four, there are times when Federal agencies especially
enforcement have not acted neutrally by warning groups or taking appropriate
action especially of threat to violence or even doing an act which is clearly
outside the realm of reason and socially unacceptable.
Fifth, there seems to be a heighten discussion on race
and religion. Both Federal and State public officials are not providing the
leadership to neutralise the public discussion but often a majority of
politicians are taking advantage of politicising the situation further. There
are some unresolved issues due to Article 121 1A over jurisdiction of the civil
and sharia courts. There are practical issues to resolve when one party is
Muslim and another not.
Identity
& Violence
This morning I was reading Amartya Sen’s “Identity and
Violence, the Illusion of Destiny” (2006). In this he writes of the racial and
religious riots which he witnessed in Calcutta in the 1940s between Hindus and
Muslims during the partition of India and Pakistan. He also writes of the
resentment in East Pakistan of the alienation of Bengalis and the violent
suppression of the Bengali rebellion and the eventual formation of Bangladesh.
Amarty Sen identifies the core issue which is the way
people think of human beings via the “illusion of singular identity” (race or
religion) and “the illusion of unique identity”. The danger here is turning
“multi-dimensional human being into one dimensional creatures”.
In a similar way we need to ensure that as Malaysians we
all have multiple identities which are beyond race and religion including age, class,
gender, language, professions and locations. We must strengthen our
commonalities as Malaysians and not be in an illusion.
Some
ways to find resolution
We therefore must learn the lesson from history and
contemporary global situation. We must not allow certain individuals and groups
to highjack democracy. We must provide the space for democratic exchange but
not incitement to violence or even threats. A number of practical possibilities
could be instituted to defuse the situation and provide political leadership to
steer the nation forward.
First, there must be greater By-partisan cooperation among
the political parties. We must ensure both sides of the political divide are
held accountable for their actions. Engaging the opposition and cooperating
together between the political divide is of utmost importance rather than
trying to point fingers. A parliamentary select committee on public grievances
will be able to address the contestations and seek joint remedy.
Second, there is a need for objective and rational
analysis of the situation. Some sections are making unfounded claims and
accusations pertaining to the core constitutional aspects such as religion,
monarchy, special position & national language. These are not under attack as claimed by some.
These aspects of the Federal Constitutions cannot be removed just like that. We
must rise above contemporary politics to ensure the Constitution is respected.
Third, the current Mediation Act 2012 could be amended to
make it mandatory for differing groups to sit down with a mediator to enable
them to resolve the conflicts. We need constructive mechanisms to resolve
contestation and potential conflicts. Grievance mechanisms must be effective. Some
of the issues now before the court could be better managed in a mediation
context especially matters pertaining to ethnicity, culture and religion.
Fourth, the authorities must stop the distortions and
provocations. Federal agencies and officials must be just and fair but must act
in the best interest of the nation, not just for a particular political party,
race or even religion. One must be transparent and accountable especially
public officials. They duty and loyalty is to the nation and King.
Fifth, Federal agencies must ensure greater engagement
with all parties especially the civil society. Some might categorise some
organisations as Right wing or Left and some as conservative or liberal. But
what is important is that most of the contestation is coming from civil society.
There is therefore the need for more face to face discussion with of all the
various groups.
There
is now the feeling that some federal agencies are only in dialogue and
discussion with certain groups and not in an open and transparent way as
reflected in the Universal Periodical Review matter pertaining to human rights.
Some were even banned locally but have
high access with the United National process internationally. It is therefore,
imperative for all Federal agencies and groups to dialog and chart a way
forward for nation building. We must trust that we are rational human being and
that we will be able to come to a consensus position in the best interest of
the nation.We are all Malaysians and this is our home. We must work together and ensure that this land will progress for all the people of Malaysia. We must encourage a more inclusive society and all Federal agencies must establish mechanisms and measures which can enhance this and become a show case of fostering greater unity, cohesion and solidarity among all the people of Malaysia.
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