An Open Letter to the Prime Minister

 

Mr PM, do not keep quiet when the rakyat needs you most to speak and to provide leadership. Ibrahim Ali and Dr Mahathir will not be what they are today, frequently inciting racial and religious flame, had you spoken out and put them in place. You are the PM and not Dr Mahathir.  

Lembu Susu 

Dear Mr Prime Minister,

First of all, I want to thank you and the BN for all that you have done for Malaysia these 55 years. It is without a doubt that there has been progress in Malaysia brought about by the BN government compared to 55 years ago when we first got our independence. Of course, Malaysia can be in a much better position today if corruption has not blighted and stunted Malaysia's growth; we may be a developed country today instead of being a developing country.

Mr PM, in your speech, you have repeatedly presented yourself as the PM for all Malaysians and you have rightly said it so. But there has been many incidences that show what you said do not match what you do, and this, I am afraid will affect your honor and reputation.

The recent outburst by Ibrahim Ali, calling the Muslims to burn the Alkitab created a wave of anger, frustration and tension for the peace-loving citizens of Malaysia. The rakyat also has not forgotten the call and the threat of the May 13 repeat during the Umno Assembly last year, and it was alarming; especially for those who have lived through that difficult period. But you were extremely quiet, when the rakyat needed you most.

Malaysia cannot afford another May 13 repeat. There is too much at stake and no one wins if it ever happens. Everyone will lose, and I am afraid that the Malays will lose the most. You know that the NEP has created a group of Malays that are dependent on the Government's support to survive. They have very little self-resilience to take a shock proportion to a May 13 repeat.

(The reality is that we need every race in Malaysia to make Malaysia, Malaysia. No one race is superior to another. Every race is important and needed in the development and building of Malaysia. The Malays cannot say that they do not need the Chinese, neither can the Chinese say that to Indian, or to the Ibans, or Kadazan Dusun, etc., that they do not need them. All are needed and all must have a place in Malaysia because they are born here.)

May I appeal to you, Mr PM, to use all your power vested in your position, to stop any threat of a repeat of May 13. You must nip it at its bud. You have the Police, the Judiciary, the Parliament, the armed forces, and the whole rakyat with you to do everything possible to quench any 'May 13' fire that anyone may want to stoke.

Malaysia is unique. We have existed in harmony for many years as a multi-racial and multi-religious country. Every race and religion has restrained themselves to preserve the peace and harmony that we cherish so much. Many people in the past, have given up their lives and blood to fight for the peace we now enjoy. But this peace and harmony is fragile. It cannot be allowed to be attacked by selfish politicians and leaders. It must be preserved at all cost. If I can say, you are appointed by Allah for such a time as this to preserve the peace, unity and harmony of this country. Because of this responsibility, you must not allow anyone to stir or stoke racial or religious sentiments for their own personal gain.

Malaysia must wake up to the fact, that though Islam is the religion of the Federation, Malaysia is still a multi-racial and multi-religious country where freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution. No one should impose their beliefs onto another religion. There must be mutual respect for each other's faith. You must not allow the issue on the word "Allah" to get out of hand. Every religion will have their beliefs contrary to another religion. This is alright as the Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion. But no one should be allowed to tell another religion what word they can use and what word they cannot use. If this is allowed, there will be war.

So, please, Mr PM, do not keep quiet when the rakyat needs you most to speak and to provide leadership. Ibrahim Ali and Dr Mahathir will not be what they are today, frequently inciting racial and religious flame, had you spoken out and put them in place. You are the PM and not Dr Mahathir. 

I hope being a PM you can see yourself above politics, race and religion. You act because you also love Malaysia and want to see Malaysia live in harmony, as you have constantly boasted to other countries of Malaysians, in spite of the different races and religious beliefs, Malaysians can exist in harmony and peace.
So, please do not remain quiet when you are needed to speak up for the rakyat. If you remain quiet, let me tell you that the resentment among the races and religion will build up and may come to a breaking point of no return. Then, what the rakyat fear most may happen. Please do not allow it to happen at all cost.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter in spite of your heavy schedule.



By a peace-loving citizen,

Lembu Susu