It would be right to assume that we do not have the likes of far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders who has led the Party for Freedom since he founded it in 2006.
It is also right to assume that there are no clones of him, and that there are no Malaysians who support his sometimes nonsensical and extreme views on Islam.
Generally, we tend to respect each other’s beliefs and we continue to go about our daily lives without hassle or bother.
No one in his right mind would want to misuse religion. Many part with their money for what they believe is a godly sacrifice to make in the belief they would be used for the right purposes.
All religions teach good values but there are a few misguided followers who even see it as a money-making tool to line their pockets.
Sadly, some self-appointed do-gooders who double up as defenders are obsessed with imagined threats to the faith. In most instances, it is a politician in the forefront, doing it for political expediency.
Blowing things out of proportion
Some wrongly believe that by using threats, they are doing God’s work and the holy book is misused to propagate and support hatred.
Then, there are the publicity seekers wanting their two minutes of fame, holding banners and placards outside police stations and waiting for the TV cameras to roll. Prepared statements are handed out as if a major travesty has been committed.
Most of them present conduct themselves as if they are from the lunatic fringe. The issue of reasonableness does not resonate with them.
Like vultures having smelt a carcass, they continue to circle and harass anyone in their way.
Or like the Jewish trader Shylock in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”, adamant about getting his pound of flesh.
Even the slightest harmless digression or oversight is blown out of proportion for political mileage.
They claim to represent the flock but not exactly. They are surrounded by cronies and rent-a-crowd mobs, whose actions are not consistent with the majority.
Their political bosses do little because they do not want to be seen as “not defending their faith” and also be seen as the party’s green credentials are brighter than all others.
Religious leaders have gone into their cocoons afraid to say anything lest labels are affixed to their status.
Leaders return home after their foreign tours claiming that investors are attracted by the political stability.
Yet, the government is unable to contain the furore caused by a dozen pairs of socks in a convenience store.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride and even the local council jumped on the bandwagon by cancelling the business licence.
Going global
Oh yes, it is easy doing business and dealing with government authorities will be a breeze. And that’s the fib that is sold to foreign investors.
You invest millions in setting up a factory and a few months down the road, the mayor gets up one morning and takes away your licence. It is Malaysia Boleh in the true sense of the word.
For the past week, Malaysia has been in the news in the region and by next week, sock-gate will be making headlines internationally.
Similar stunts were pulled by politicians creating controversies in the past but failed to take off. Is it a case of if you fail, do it again till you succeed?
What about the God-fearing leaders who are so vocal about getting freedom for a convicted felon and yet are unable to defuse this issue?
Is it because the former reverberates with party members and even moving a finger on the others would have negative consequences?
What about the police? While they seem to clamp down on peaceful protests little is being done on such provocation.
Why have Section 504 of the Penal Code or Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) not been enforced?
The Penal Code states: “Whoever intentionally insults, and thereby gives provocation to any person, intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause him to break the public peace, or to commit any other offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.”
CMA stipulates offences of using network facilities to transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could annoy another person.
Provocative videos and photographs of threats of violence are being circulated and every right-thinking Malaysian is annoyed. These actions and utterances are provocative, to say the least.
Or are these two laws used exclusively on journalists who choose to ask difficult questions of the government? - Mkini
R. NADESWARAN is livid that 12 out of a few thousand pairs of socks can threaten harmony and no one can put a stop to it. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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