Wanted: Deeds, not words
By The Malaysian Insider
The constant dribble from politicians speaking about racial unity in the last year show the reality is different. And that Umno and Muhyiddin have not got a pass mark in this issue.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for an end to race debates. He is right and we agree with the deputy prime minister.
“Debates about racial issues without limits can incite provocation that will ignite racial sentiments. Surely we do not want a spark of anger to set off an explosion that destroys all the peace, prosperity and unity we have built,” the Umno deputy president said last night.
But words are cheap. Especially if elections are around the corner. The two by-elections are already harbinger of more talk about unity and the need to support either political coalitions for reform and change.
Yet, Malaysians will only judge politicians and political parties by their action or inaction, not by their words.
The constant dribble from politicians speaking about racial unity in the last year show the reality is different. And that Umno and Muhyiddin have not got a pass mark in this issue.
There have been a raft of incidents promoted or endorsed by Umno and its ilk, be it the cow head incident, Allah protest and others. There have been cases of racism being investigated super-slow or super-fast.
And Umno cannot pretend that its mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia is acting on its own. It might battle an Umno minister or two but the daily remains at the forefront of the party’s battle for votes. Note its change in tune towards race and reconciliation in recent weeks.
So Muhyiddin and his party colleagues must do more than just say, “Racial rights… are fought for within the framework of understanding that all races are guaranteed rights and equal treatment.
“In this context, the race-based politics practised by Umno is not a form of racist politics. Racist politics means we only place importance on our own race and oppress other races.”
“History bears witness that, when Umno leads, not only Malays benefit, but other races as well,” Muhyiddin said last night.
Great speech. Now let’s see some action on this for all Malaysians.
