When the Agong’s coffee shop meal became food for thought

 

A picture of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim sharing a meal with his son, crown prince Tunku Ismail and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Kedai Minuman Jadi Baru (Botak), has touched the hearts of his subjects.

Beyond its symbolic display of humility, the moment carried a subtle, yet cryptic message, in my mind, directed at the religious affairs ministry, the Islamic development department (Jakim), and maybe even the prime minister himself.

Sultan Ibrahim’s Chinese ancestry was revealed by the media during his official visit to China and the Chinese signages in the background makes the picture more meaningful.

This picture is like an everyday occurrence in East Malaysia where it is common to see soto stalls and pork mee sold in separate sections under one roof.

In my mind, the two birds that the Agong killed with one stone was the halal certification controversy and the use of Chinese language in signages.

I am referring to the push to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol, and the clampdown of Chinese characters in Kuala Lumpur.

It was a subtle but cryptic message at the same time.

The cryptic message delivered from the Agong to Anwar’s government is perhaps – do not create racial divides, be humble, and focus on serving the people.

Also do not push for unpopular agendas, which are making communities in East Malaysian uncomfortable, just to win votes by satisfying one section of the community in the peninsula.

This is not the first time that the Agong has shown his displeasure at religious bigots running loose in Malaysia.

In 2017, he forbade the Johor Islamic religious department from having any dealings with Jakim over some arrogant remarks by a preacher employed by Jakim.

There was a time when some questioned the relevance of Malaysia’s royal institutions due to some bad apples.

This sentiment has been echoed in many countries, including the UK and Australia, where some feel that royal institutions have outlived their purpose and have become a financial burden to the state.

However, political bickering, and a slim political majority in Parliament has made parties more reliant on the Agong’s role as arbiter, despite being a constitutional monarch.

Malaysia’s unique system of constitutional monarchy is often underestimated.

It stands out as one of the most democratic monarchic institutions in the world, where the Agong is elected by fellow Sultans for a five-year term to serve as the nation’s king.

In contrast, the politics of Malaysia is more chaotic and filled with self-serving politicians who play the racial and religious card to remain in power.

This despite warnings from fellow sultans, such as Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak who in a speech, warned of political exploitation of race and religion that threatens national unity and how such threats must be swiftly contained.

The warning has fallen on deaf ears with the government, and it needs the Agong’s intervention to set the scene of unity and humility.

Politicians in Malaysia love to create issues, blow it up and capitalise on them, as in the case of some pairs of socks with the words “Allah” printed on them.

After all the hullabaloo and bravado of a particular party and individual, the issue has died to a whimper.

No one was arrested or charged but it has caused racial tension which could spark a major incident and set Malaysia back after several decades of prosperity and growth.

No one wants a repeat of the May 13, 1969 sectarian violence.

Only when the Agong stepped in and warned all parties against taking advantage of the matter by inciting the rakyat did the matter die down.

The Madani government has so much to do to stabilise the nation, and yet it has spent more time tightening and amending Islamic laws, instead of introducing meaningful reforms.

Despite setting aside billions of ringgit for Jakim under the national budget, we still read news reports of Kelantanese, including teenagers, illegally crossing into Thailand on weekends in search of entertainment.

This is ironic as Kelantan is ruled by PAS, an Islamic party.

Enacting stricter hudud laws would never be a deterrent when these people imitate the corrupt practices of the leadership.

With every major racial incident and Islam overreach, East Malaysians are more vocal and questioning whether we want to be part of “broken” Malaysia.

They have had enough and are seeking to be financially independent to chart their own future.

Why should Sabah and Sarawak contribute their valuable oil and gas resources to the nation’s development when it is used to exacerbate racial and religious tension?

While race and religion will always take centre stage in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak are more focused on getting their fair share of development revenue to build an advanced and fair nation, especially in education and economic leadership.

We remember the previous Agong and the Queen’s “Kembara Kenali Borneo” drive to see the Pan Borneo Highway for themselves.

They took notes from the rakyat along their journey and, as I understand it, passed them on to the government. Have they been acted on? - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.