JB slapping incident: Stop this “holier-than-thou” attitude detrimental to peace and unity

 

IN a lively corner of Johor Bahru (JB), an incident that recently unfolded has stirred quite a bit of chatter across the land about the delicate balance of religious tolerance and our societal norms.

It all began when a non-Muslim gentleman named Elijah was confronted—some might say accosted—by an elderly man for eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan. The situation escalated when, as reports suggest, this man gave Elijah a rather unwelcomed slap.

Naturally, this sparked a wave of reactions. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang stepped in to voice his disapproval, emphasising that such behaviour doesn’t quite fit our cherished spirit of unity and harmony, which we all hold dear.

A video, lasting a brisk 80 seconds, made its way onto the internet, showing the elderly man questioning Elijah’s background and rather insistently asking to see his identity card before delivering that infamous slap.

Since then, Elijah has taken the brave step of filing a police report, and authorities are now looking into the matter, under Section 323 of the Penal Code—essentially for delivering an unsolicited dose of hurt.

You see, this whole scenario poses a rather amusing yet serious question about our propensity for self-righteousness, often marked by a “holier-than-thou” attitude.

It seems some individuals believe they have the right to impose their beliefs upon others, which, as you might expect, can lead to intolerable situations.

(Image: The Edge)

Such behaviour threatens the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Malaysia, which is woven together by threads of mutual respect and understanding.

It’s vital, I’d say, to draw a clear line between one’s personal religious observance and the expectation that others, particularly those of differing faiths, follow suit.

Forcing others to adhere to one’s beliefs not only infringes on their personal freedoms but also nudges societal harmony into rather choppy waters.

In our beloved Malaysia, the enforcement of fasting during Ramadan typically applies exclusively to Muslims.

A case in point—over in Melaka, a group of eight Muslim men found themselves on the wrong side of the law for eating in public during Ramadan. Yet, these regulations don’t extend to non-Muslims, who, let’s remember, are not bound by Islamic fasting rules.

So, what’s the takeaway from this little episode? Promoting a culture of understanding and mutual respect is paramount. Acknowledging and honouring individual choices is the cornerstone of keeping the peace and unity alive in our wonderfully diverse society.

In wrapping this up, the incident in Johor Bahru brings to light a concerning “holier-than-thou” mentality that undermines the beautiful multicultural harmony we cherish in Malaysia.

It’s essential for every one of us to cherish and uphold the principles of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring we all share in a cohesive and peaceful society. 

K.Tamil Maran ( KT Maran)
Seremban, Negri Sembilan

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

- Focus Malaysia.