Malaysia stands at a pivotal juncture

 

MP SPEAKS | The controversial socks issue has been dominating the national headlines in the past week.

I for one, as with many of my fellow ummah, am appalled by KK Mart’s questionable business practices of selling garments that bear the word “Allah”.

In a country like Malaysia, such acts are offensive towards Muslims and can severely threaten national harmony.

Since the issue erupted, certain quarters have taken to social media to defend or seek solace for those responsible, be it the convenience store chain’s owner or the supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.

I am compelled to remind these provocateurs that this issue is not a Malay issue, nor a racial issue of any kind. It is also not a partisan issue, be it from Umno, MCA, DAP, Perikatan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan.

In truth, this is a religious issue. Printing the holy word of “Allah” on socks directly insults Muslims everywhere. It is a desecration of the central belief of more than 1.5 billion people.

The wave of displeasure and anger filling the air at the moment is not unwarranted. As devout Muslims, it is our divine and sacred duty to preserve and protect the religion at any cost.

While this can be perceived as “extreme”, the same notion can be said for devotees from other religions and sets of belief - be it Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianists, Taoists, Sikhs, and others.When push comes to shove, they too, would do what is necessary to defend their respective beliefs.

The part which is yet to be proven is whether these acts were done so maliciously, or was it a case of ignorance on their part. Either way, they are in the wrong.

If the former is true, then legal proceedings can best determine the appropriate punishment for the provocateurs - providing a form of deterrence and a fierce advocate for religious unity.

Avoiding a repeat

However, if the latter is proven true, then we must take steps to ensure that this incident will never happen again but how can we do this?

The answer is by promoting the enhancement of religious tolerance. This entails fostering mutual respect, understanding and acceptance among adherents of different faiths.

There is a red line that needs to be constantly observed and respected. Education plays a crucial role in this endeavour, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and empathy needed to appreciate religious diversity.

The preservation of religious harmony stands as a pillar of societal stability and progress.

The importance of safeguarding this harmony cannot be overstated, as it not only ensures peaceful coexistence but also fosters a sense of unity and collective strength among its people.

Malaysia stands at a pivotal juncture where unity is not just a virtue but a strategic imperative. By rallying together as countrymen, transcending religious, ethnic, and cultural divides, we harness the collective strength of our nation. - Mkini

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MOHAMAD HASAN is the foreign minister, Rembau MP and Umno deputy president.

This comment was first published on his Facebook page.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.