The politics of race and religion: Malaysia’s most dangerous weapon

 

MORE than two centuries ago, George Washington warned of leaders who seek greatness at the expense of their own country, saying that no punishment is too great for a person who builds their greatness upon their country’s ruin.

While the historical context was different, the principle remains relevant: ambition that harms the nation is a profound betrayal.

Race and religion run deep in Malaysia. They shape who we are, how we live, and what we pass down to our children. In a country blessed with so many cultures, these differences should be something to celebrate—a sign of how rich and vibrant our society really is.

But lately, something troubling has been happening.

Instead of bringing us together, race and religion are being used to tear us apart. We’ve all seen it—the way certain politicians reach for these issues whenever they need to distract, divide, or deflect.

It’s a shortcut to power. And it works. Because fear spreads faster than trust, and suspicion is easier to plant than understanding.

What worries me is what this does to us as a nation.

When every problem is framed as “us versus them”, we stop seeing each other as neighbours, colleagues, or friends. We start seeing threats where there used to be none. And once that happens, it’s incredibly hard to go back.

Our grandparents knew this. They built this country together—not by pretending differences didn’t exist, but by choosing respect over fear. That’s why Malaysia worked. That’s why we made progress.

Today, that foundation is being chipped away.

When communities stop trusting each other, everything becomes harder. Good policies get drowned out by emotional arguments.

Real issues—like jobs, education, the cost of living—take a backseat to identity  politics. And our young people? They start to wonder if there’s even a place for them in this country’s future.

That’s the part that breaks my heart. Because if our children stop believing in Malaysia, then what have we really won?

Every major faith in this country teaches the same thing about leadership. In Islam, it’s amanah—a trust to be carried with integrity. In Christianity, it’s love for neighbour. In Hinduism, it’s dharma—the duty to protect harmony.

In Buddhism, it’s the understanding that greed and hatred don’t just hurt individuals—they poison entire societies. The Bahá’í teachings remind us that we are one human family, and unity is a sacred responsibility.

These aren’t just words. They’re a compass.

Diversity was never our weakness. It’s what makes our food unforgettable, our festivals colourful, our perspectives broad. But diversity without maturity is fragile. It needs leaders who understand that words have consequences. That harmony, once broken, is not easily mended.

So here’s what I believe: Leadership isn’t about winning elections by lighting fires. It’s about solving problems, lifting people up, and reminding us why we chose to be one nation in the first place.

And we, as citizens, have a part to play too. We can choose not to be afraid. We can support those who build bridges instead of walls. We can remember that Malaysia’s best moments have always been the ones we created together.

Race and religion don’t have to be weapons. They can be gifts. But only if we refuse to let anyone use them against us.

At the end of the day, this country belongs to all of us. And unity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the only thing that’s ever held us together. 

 KT Maran is a Focus Malaysia viewer.

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

- Focus Malaysia.