When you pass by a “Muslim only” restaurant

(Malaysian Chinese News) – How can we argue about right or wrong against those who have closed themselves up in isolation and discriminate those who follow a different faith and lifestyle?

As a matter of curiosity, when you as a Chinese pass by a restaurant with a “Muslim only” banner, what would you do?

I would walk pass it and go to another restaurant. That’s all.

But what if the next and the next restaurant also the same? I will continue walking until I reach one which I can go in.

I will take note of the date and observe how the restaurant with such “clear intent and direction” will develop in this land.

If it thrives, I will take note of the date again and wait for the next election and pray that those are still deep in sleep could wake up fast.

That’s all. UMNO is taking such an approach. It is unreasonable and illogical but the party is thriving. What can you do?

That’s nothing much you can do. They have discriminated you before you can do anything. How can we argue about right or wrong against those who have closed themselves up in isolation and discriminate those who follow a different faith and lifestyle? Worse, they are in the majority and in control of the so-called democracy.

Difference in interpretation of religion

In regard to such issue, we can only let them have the say in this land. Those knowledgeable should clarify that their belief is nothing like this in the first place. Otherwise, they would be a laughing stock.

However, a new problem arises. Those knowledgeable are rare, like the tip of an iceberg. Those knowledgeable and well-respected and bold enough to criticize are almost non-existent. Not only that, there is also a vast difference in dealing with such issues. In Johor, it was swiftly settled but elsewhere, those being put down are other people.

We have been used to live under such circumstances. In the face of many unjust, untrue and inappropriate issues, prime minister Najib and other top government officials always choose to show silence and tolerance; not only that, they also want others to be tolerant. Many times, the Chinese have accepted such issues and have compromised, because very few people are willing to speak the truth and offend their colleagues and fellow compatriots.

Just as Johor has settled the launderette issue, Kelantan has ushered in the era where a Muslim man in shorts buying a burger was fined. Even the man himself was shocked, not to mention by-standers like you and me.

When the religion is clearly the same, its interpretation could have such vast difference. The small group of believers is forgiving, kind and open-minded while the larger group believes in punishment, condemnation and narrow-mindedness. At this juncture, you would know that PAS’ winning chances in the coming election are next to zero because it does not have the capacity to keep abreast with the world and is not keeping the steps.

Really, the opposition should bear the responsibility of strengthening PAS. But MCA also share the same responsibility. The non-Malays have taken the risk to vote for PAS, isn’t it all because of their extreme disdain of the ineffectiveness of MCA and other Barisan component parties?