YOURSAY | ‘Leave the barking on race and religion to Umno, just focus on your job.’
David Dass: This is one mistake too many from Pakatan Harapan. Harapan ministers seem to lack the experience to make the transition from opposition to government in a seamless and efficient manner.
A minister in government speaks for all the people of Malaysia. Closed-door meetings with members of one community where things are said that could upset members of another community are unacceptable. This was the pattern of things before. And with the advent of pocket-sized recording devices, nothing is confidential.
There is only one rule now. No double speak. Only say what needs to be said. Only say what is relevant.
The 14th general election was a turning point in the history of this nation. It gave us the opportunity for meaningful change. Change must benefit all. The new government gives hope to many who were previously sidelined, the poor of all races for instance.
But there are concerns among many Malays that their interests will be compromised. And careless speeches will feed into those concerns. It will be exploited by many. Be cautious. Whatever you say will be published. Be certain of that.
Semangat Baru Msia: Indeed, it’s time for the government and new leaders to learn how to stop talking about race, religion and ‘pendatang’ (immigrants), and start talking about how to make Malaysia great again.
Leave the barking on race, religion and ‘pendatang’ issues to Umno and PAS, as they have nothing to contribute to the recovery of Malaysia except finding ways to continue to chip whatever is left over.
Mustafa N: Actually, I believe it's correct to say that the Orang Asal are the original people here in the peninsula, which is sort of obvious because, hello, the clue is in the name.
Kamaapo: Who are the genuine natives of many modern-day nation states? The answer is so clear for neutral historians and anthropologists.
It's only those who read both these disciplines upside down, or deliberately concoct their own versions of make-believe history that leading history/anthropology scholars wouldn’t line their bins with.
It's so sad in some nations with relatively late arrival-turned-majorities due to their later hegemonic position defy this factual truth. The racist White Australia Policy of 1901 lasted until the 1970s. The Aboriginal natives had no say in this bigoted policy. And in the United States, some racist bigots still shriek about white supremacy.
In a context where truth is deemed as false and injustice as justice by powerful hegemonic groups, and where often enforcement agencies seemingly hesitate to enforce justice for the weak, it was perhaps wise to tender the quick apology rather than let the issue fester and provide ample fodder for vultures in the opposition.
It looks like it may take much longer for us to see a real ‘new Malaysia’ dawn. Be reticent. Concentrate more energy on your ministerial work. Hopefully equality, justice, fairness and truth will arrive one day to the shores of our beloved nation.
Beman: There are Indians who came here 2,500 years ago, there are Indians who came in 2016. There are some Malays who came earlier than some Chinese, but there are also some Chinese who came earlier than some Malays.
The Orang Asal have been here much earlier than others, but I believe it is possible that there are also some who moved down from what is now Thailand relatively recently (about 100 years ago).
A DNA survey by National Geographic shows that people of all races crisscrossed different parts of the world many times over in search of greener pastures.
There is really no need to mention that the Indians came earlier to Malaysia in order to justify their right to be Malaysians.
Arguing about who comes first and who is more Malaysian is what those who thrive on using race and religion to divide Malaysians want to do. We should deprive them of the opportunity to do so.
Hplooi: When Umno says the most inflammatory words about "others", they don't have to apologise. And not only do they not apologise, but they will demand people who complain about the inflammatory words to apologise.
In this particular case, do you think Umno will be satisfied with an apology from Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran? To Umno, flogging the meme of evil DAP/Chinese is a political game. They don’t care even if they burn down the house.
The Wakandan: The controversial issue of ‘pendatang’ will not go away. Either you ban it or face it head on and have an open debate on it.
Otherwise, it continuously be like a ghost that will haunt us. We must break the vicious cycle because this word, as things stand now, will hurt everyone to whom it is applied.
Fair Malaysian: Why court controversy? We all make mistakes. Say sorry genuinely and move on.
Bujang Valley is a part of Malaysia’s proud history. We have rich and diverse cultures and religions. We should celebrate that fact, unlike Umno and PAS.
Fyddeep: This ‘pendatang’ issue is over now. Kulasegaran, now go investigate the Nepali worker scandal.
Straight Talk: Kulasegaran has apologised unreservedly. The matter should be put to rest. There is no need for Umno politicians to stir up the issue.
There have been incidents in the past involving Umno politicians making hurtful statements and references about non-Malays. Were there any unreserved apologies conveyed by them? Have any of them resigned from their party or government positions? In many instances, they were not even properly reprimanded by their party leadership.
That said, let this be a lesson to all politicians to avoid making unnecessary references to sensitive historical and religious incidents. Why keep talking about the past?
Politicians, especially cabinet members, should not make statements or references that can only cause confusion and bring hatred. Their words and actions should be proactive to move the nation forward.
Talk about the future. Where will the country be in the next five, 10, 20 or 50 years? Only the future will offer hope.
Ranjit Singh Malhi: The naked historical truth is that a significant number of those who are considered ‘Malays’ today immigrated to Malaya in the early decades of the 20th century.
According to the 1947 census, about 26 percent of the Malays in the federation were immigrants from Sumatra, who were largely imported by estate owners. In Selangor, the Malay population grew from 26,000 in 1891 to 185,000 in 1947.
The census also shows that less than 40 percent of the Malay population had lived in Johor for 36 years. Another historical truth is that in 1941 there were more Chinese (43 percent) than Malays (41 percent) in Malaya.
But more importantly, we should all focus on building a progressive and united Malaysia with cultural diversity as our strength.
David Dass: Kulasegaran has apologised. The matter should end there. The term ‘pendatang’ and worse has been used on non-Malays many, many times before. And that term has caused much hurt.
Of course, that term has been used by some to try to reduce the value of Indians as citizens in the country or their claim to be treated as equal citizens. What Kulasegaran was doing while addressing a group of Indians was to reassure them of their right to be treated as equals.
But his reference to historical kingdoms established by early Indian kings to demonstrate an early connection with Indians was unnecessary.
All citizens, whatever their race, or whatever the length of their connection with the country are equal before the law. Kulasegaran, realising the controversy he has stirred, has apologised unreservedly.
His apology should be accepted graciously, and we should move on. He has explained that he was rejecting those who questioned the right of Indian Malaysians to be treated as equals – 'they' who called Indians ‘pendatang’.
That was the context in which his statement was made. Silly maybe. But certainly not seditious. - Mkini
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