The three dilemmas of the Chinese
(Malaysian Chinese News) – While we are fed up with religious extremists without considering the feelings and rights of the minorities; likewise there are also some people who forget to respect the feelings and sensitivities of other races too.
When the conservatism is rising, what do we expect from the government?
When the Kuala Lumpur City Hall banned the beer festival, we hope the government will interfere to rectify the City Hall policy. It is not because we like drinking beer but we do not hope the governance of the government becoming more religious.
A Muslims-only launderette existed in Johor and we hope the government will interfere so that the extreme religious’ business style will not flourish in our daily livelihood as well as avoiding the tentacles of religious extremism.
In Kelantan a man was on his way to play futsal and he stopped to buy a burger but was apprehended for wearing shorts. Everybody was waiting for the high officials either from Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan to stand out to declare Malaysia is not a Taliban state.
In Perlis incident of Muslims-only launderette exists too. Many are waiting for high officials to announce to the public that: “This is not the Malaysian culture of doing business”.
However, those who have the power to speak out chose to remain silent and those who have the power to rectify chose to remain passive. Those who should tell were quiet; but those willing to say something told the Rakyat that the state government has no power to stop this mode of business.
These high ranking officials chose to avoid the issue, were reluctant or dared not speak out until the Sultan of Johor reprimanded the Muslim launderette proprietor in his state and only then these officials dare to open their mouths.
A Chinese minister said the Cabinet never allowed Muslims-only launderette and emphasized that it is not a federal policy.
Similarly the Prime Minister emphasized that our country will always practice moderation and follows the moderate path since Independence.
There’s still a thorn in the heart
Will the announcement from the authorities make the public feel better? Everybody knows, the thorn is still in our hearts.
Why are the conservatives survived and their influence expanded so freely?
I remembered in 29 September 2001, former Prime Minister Mahathir announced that Malaysia was an Islamic state at a Gerakan delegates’ assembly. After the announcement, uncle Kit Siang went round the country to campaign “No to 929 and Islamic state” but 16 years later uncle Kit Siang and the one who announced Malaysia was an Islamic state were on the same platform calling to save the nation.
As many people are waiting for high officials and political leaders to lead them to counter the influence of conservatism and religious extremism, so as to prevent the minorities from being victimized, the Malaysian Muslims Association displayed two photos in their official website.
One of the photos showed a Chinese man carrying a dog while his other hand was putting clothes into the washing machine. Another photo showed while waiting for his clothes to be ready, he put his dog on the chair and was seen busy playing on his hand phone.
What do the pictures imply?
While we are fed up with religious extremists without considering the feelings and rights of the minorities; likewise there are also some people who forget to respect the feelings and sensitivities of other races too.
At present the Chinese are facing three dilemmas. First the strength of conservatism is rising, but the political leaders who have the power choose to bow down to their votes. Secondly they are influenced by the hatred and populist issues indoctrinated by politicians, which has weaken the political strength of Chinese due to internal fighting. Thirdly some people forget to respect the sensitivities and lifestyle of other races.
