'No Malaysian should be made to feel like an enemy': Interfaith group sounds Merdeka alarm over rising hate

 

As Malaysia prepares to celebrate its 69th Merdeka Day, an interfaith group has called for greater mutual respect amid what it described as the disturbing normalisation of hate speech, bigotry and divisive rhetoric.

“The freedom we achieved was never intended to become a licence to divide us,” said the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) in its Merdeka message.

The council pointed to the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections as examples of an alarming escalation in political rhetoric, with voters being urged to cast their ballots along racial and religious lines.

Categorising this as a “dangerous path”, MCCBCHST said such narratives sought to convince Malaysians that fellow citizens should be feared rather than embraced as partners in nation-building.

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“It is deeply saddening that Malaysians continue to be confronted with inflammatory narratives suggesting that non-Malays or non-Muslims are intent on undermining Islam.

“Such sweeping accusations are irresponsible, deeply offensive and entirely contrary to the spirit of nation-building. They foster fear, suspicion, and hostility between communities that have lived alongside one another for generations.

“The overwhelming majority of Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, simply wish to live in peace, raise their families, practise their respective faiths and contribute positively to the nation’s progress,” the council said.

MCCBCHST stressed that political or ideological differences must never be exploited to portray entire communities as threats to one another.

Don’t leave hate unchecked

It also warned that individuals who make inflammatory and derogatory remarks against other races and religions appear able to do so with little consequence, creating an environment in which others feel emboldened to push the boundaries of acceptable public discourse.

“Every unchecked act of hatred chips away at the foundations of our national unity.

“No Malaysian should ever be made to feel like an enemy simply because of his or her race or religion. Likewise, no religion should be weaponised for political gain or used to cast suspicion upon fellow citizens.

“Such tactics undermine both national unity and the integrity of religion itself,” the council stressed.

Instead of uniting Malaysians to confront the real challenges facing the nation, MCCBCHST said too much of the national conversation was being consumed by manufactured controversies over race and religion.

“Precious time and energy are diverted away from combating corruption, strengthening institutions, improving education, creating quality jobs, enhancing healthcare, addressing the rising cost of living, and ensuring that every Malaysian has the opportunity to succeed.

“Politics built upon slander, fear and suspicion can never produce a confident nation. It may deliver short-term political gains, but it imposes long-term costs on society by eroding trust and weakening social cohesion.

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“This is definitely not the Malaysia envisioned by our forefathers,” it added.

Merdeka also about unity

MCCBCHST said the spirit of Merdeka was not merely about commemorating independence from colonial rule, but about building a nation where diversity is a strength, every citizen enjoys equal dignity under the Federal Constitution, and disagreements are resolved through dialogue.

“If we continue down the path of racial and religious polarisation, Malaysia risks falling behind nations that have chosen unity, innovation and good governance over perpetual division.

“No country can achieve sustainable economic growth or social progress if its people are constantly encouraged to distrust one another. National unity is the very foundation for development,” it added.

In view of this, MCCBCHST urged:

• All political leaders to reject campaigns that exploit race and religion, and instead compete on ideas, integrity, competence and policies that improve the lives of all Malaysians.

• Law enforcement authorities to act firmly and impartially against any individual who incites hatred or hostility, regardless of status, political affiliation or influence.

• Religious leaders to promote compassion, mutual respect and understanding, recognising that every faith teaches the values of justice, peace and human dignity.

• Every Malaysian to reject fear, misinformation and slander, and refuse to become instruments of division.

“The Federal Constitution remains our common pledge. It protects the rights and freedoms of every Malaysian while providing the framework for our diverse society to flourish together. We must defend this shared foundation with wisdom, courage and restraint.

“As we celebrate 69 years of independence, let us remember that Merdeka is not merely an event from our past but a responsibility entrusted to every generation.

“The true test of our patriotism is not how loudly we proclaim our love for Malaysia, but how faithfully we protect the unity, harmony and mutual respect that have sustained our nation for decades,” it added. - Mkini