Magic-wand politics — Jacob Sinnathamby

Huh, if only the world was so simple. Just proclaim something and then it becomes reality.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today declared that race relations today had moved up another level, from the level of tolerance to acceptance. Sounds a bit like George W. Bush declaring the war in Iraq a success on board the aircraft carrier.

And how did Malaysia make this gargantuan step from tolerance and acceptance? What is the evidence of this great leap forward?

He said that his presence at Thaipusam celebrations in Batu Caves showed that Malaysians were now accepting diversity as opposed to just tolerating diversity. Najib may believe that. In fact, in all probability he probably believes in multi-racialism, inclusiveness, etc.

But would anyone dare to even say that Malaysia’s well-documented racial polarisation has been solved because of the presence of Najib and some ministers in Batu Caves.

To begin with, I hope that our politicians on both sides of the divide do not believe that it is an IMPOSITION for them to be present at religious or cultural events. They must only officiate at these events without conditions and because they want to partake in the celebrations enjoyed by fellow Malaysians.

Malaysian leaders of yesteryear used to enter places of worship with nary a care. Can’t remember them making a show of it or declaring their presence meant that Malaysia had arrived as a country.

I guess they understood that one swallow does not a summer make. I bet they understood that race relations can only be built, nurtured and sustained when everyone felt they had a stake in the country and when all Malaysians were treated with respect and fairness. I am glad that Najib is allocating more funds for Indians. About time too.

But please do not think you are doing the Indians a favour. As Malaysians they are entitled to every ringgit the administration has given to them.

My hope is that Najib and his ministers who showed up in Batu Caves sincerely respect Indians and not just view them as a vote bank to be feted now and forgotten after victory is delivered. I note that Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was in Batu Caves. Does this mean that he no longer subscribes to the rhetoric of the hardliners?

* Jacob Sinnathamby reads The Malaysian Insider.