Learn from the history of Europe

Warring Europe reformed after World War II and went on a path of peace and unity but in Malaysia we see hate mongers and the spectre of racial riots being used every time a contentious issue surfaces.

COMMENT

By Rozhan Othman

If post World War II Europe had been led by leaders like the ones we have in Malaysia and its people had attitudes like the ones we see in NGO-cum-hate mongers here, the region will be very different today.

Instead, European leaders chose a different path. In spite of a long history of wars and animosity, and being at the epicentre of two world wars, Europe chose to heal and build something positive.

This effort culminates in the bringing together of European countries into what is now the biggest economic bloc in the world and with it a formidable political and economic clout.

European leaders understood that if they go down the path of hatred and distrust like what happened after World War I, the old wounds will open up and possibly lead to another war like what happened during World War II. Instead, they chose the path of unity and togetherness.

Of course, the communist threat from the Warsaw Pact also necessitated that western European countries come together to build their economic, political and military strength. Nevertheless, the new reality created in post World War II Europe required wise leadership.

The creation of a common market that finally led to the formation of the European Union (EU) was done with the assumption that power and wealth that is shared will grow. This growth will benefit everyone.

The development in the richer countries will help pull up the poorer countries. It would have been easy for European leaders and people to feel bitter about the pain and suffering they endured during the world wars.

Millions were killed. It would have been easy to simply preach hatred and animosity. The Germans and Italians could have been told that they were intruders (which they actually were) and that they deserve no mercy or that they must now submit to other European countries.

Hate, fear and animosity would have been easy to exploit. Wise leaders make wise decisions.

Demagogues exploit fear and prejudices

In addition to the commitment to live and work together, they also committed themselves to a rational and peaceful discourse. There were moments of major differences and tension over certain issues among the EU countries.

But these leaders did not resort to threats and intimidation to resolve these issues. The British did not threaten to launch another Normandy landing because of disagreements with the Germans. And the Germans did not decide to launch another blitzkrieg whenever they disagree with their neigbours.

The French did not decide to launch another 100-Year War because of disputes with the British. Instead, they chose to look forward and not become hostage of past tragedies and failures.

European leaders have committed themselves to being civil and rely on peaceful negotiations and diplomacy to resolve their differences. This is not the case in all regional blocs.

Thailand and Kampuchea went to war over a border dispute. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation members, India and Pakistan, continue to have military clashes at their borders.

The Arab League continues to be ineffective in doing anything except help preserve dictators in power. The Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) is more like a club of eunuchs when dealing with abuses of Muslims by Muslim governments, such as in Darfur.

Asean and OIC countries are quite contented with doing little in addressing the persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar, mainly because of their economic interest there. All these blocs have a shortage of wise and courageous leaders.

Malaysians have the right to be led by wise leaders. Instead, we are coming to realise that such leaders are rare, if there are any.

Instead, we see hate mongers and the spectre of racial riots and unrest being used every time a contentious issue surfaces. Instead of becoming a part of the solution, these leaders are a part of the problem.

Instead of taking tangible steps to heal the nation and build a better future, they are more concerned about invoking bogeys from the past.

Their total lack of imagination about how to build a better Malaysia is very evident. Malaysia is at the crossroads and these leaders cannot seem to decide which turn to take.

In fact, indications are that they prefer to go down the path of failed states like Lebanon, Rwanda and Somalia. They probably believe that they would be better off as leaders of a failed state than ordinary citizens of a successful state.

It is because of this vacuum that ordinary citizens find it necessary to step forward to shape the discourse on the nation’s future.

Malaysians prefer to live under a liberal system than a regime of snobbish bigots and hate mongers. Malaysia needs wise decisive leaders. When none are around, wise citizens need to show the way. Welcome Negara-Ku. Show us the way.