Religion used for all the wrong reasons

 

From V. Chandrasekaran

Religion is a medium for inner search – the inner search for the source of creation and the meaning of life. It’s a personal endeavour but many are bent on misusing or abusing religion for power and personal gains. Malaysia is no exception.

Religion in Malaysia is highly politicised and used for party and personal agendas. This is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed before it is too late.

Echoing this concern, former federal minister Rafidah Aziz has made a clarion call saying she was frightened for Malaysia’s future. Her fear is right and justified.

Many would agree that Malaysia is a wonderful country where people live together in harmony regardless of race. This is the result of decades of hard work and selfless sacrifice made by our forefathers. Back then, political leaders had the welfare of the people as their priority. They were not divisive but inclusive.

They toiled to provide better living standards for all Malaysians. However, as leaders began to amass immense political power, their obsession for more power made them resort to ruthless means to gain supremacy. And religion became a handy tool to sway the masses, especially the uninformed populace.

This scenario is gaining great momentum and spiralling out of control. Political leaders in Malaysia are now indoctrinating people with wrong religious ideas to divide the peace-loving citizenry. As a result, people veer away from the real religious tenets and have a distorted notion of religion. This is harmful for a multireligious society like Malaysia.

The country already has enough problems on its shoulders. Malaysia needs to regain its composure with the concerted efforts of all quarters. This is not a time for a divided society but a united front to handle all the disturbing woes, especially the pandemic and economic downturn.

Political leaders should exercise restraint when dealing with religious tenets. The interest of the nation and the welfare of the people should come first. Religion should be left as a personal endeavour. Malaysian political leaders should come to their senses before it is too late.

They should be concerned with putting Malaysia on the right track and not squabble about power and supremacy. A divided nation is always a threat to peace. A muddled mindset is always a setback for development.

Leaders need to make a firm resolve to instil good values in people and they should be an exemplary lot. Only then, Malaysia will regain its lost glory.

V. Chandrasekaran is an FMT reader.

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