Let's heal Malaysia this Raya

 

There has been a lot of anger and bitterness since the socks saga erupted. How can we heal as a nation?

There are bad feelings on both sides. But many ordinary people are still cordial and helpful towards each other. 

My Chinese friend, who recently had a cycling accident, was brought to the hospital in Alor Gajah, Malacca, by a Malay lady in her car.

Another Chinese friend woke up to discover a surprise gift of Hari Raya goodies, placed at the door before her neighbour’s predawn balik kampung journey.

In February, a Malay man whose motorcycle ran out of petrol in Perak got help from both a Chinese girl and an Indian boy who were riding by.

I myself had twice received help from passing Malay motorcyclists when my old iron horse broke down.

Recently, many Malays had righteous or self-righteous rage whipped up by an “act male” politician claiming to “defend” Islam. Instead of waving a keris, he spooked non-Muslims with a samurai sword.

Yes, it was a sensitive issue. But wasn't Ramadan supposed to be the time for forgiveness and compassion?

On the other side, many non-Malays were flabbergasted that KK Mart’s immediate apology for what seemed like a genuine mistake was not accepted. Instead, the issue was further inflamed by firebombing attempts at three of its stores.

Can they forgive all the provocations?

Kindness vs power

As a non-Muslim, I want to feel more “keindahan agama”, the beauty and kindness of Islam, that's often trumpeted, not the ferocity of those shouting threats about “defending” the religion.

I am more attracted to a religion that highlights its compassion rather than its power. After all, I am told prayers begin with the phrase Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem or  “In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful”.

This is why I still respect the late Tok Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, the late Kelantan PAS leader. He practised Islamic values in a gentle, patient and kind manner, emphasising that Islam is against racism or assabiyah.

Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat

When he was still around, many non-Muslims supported PAS and even carried the moon flag during elections.

In contrast, the current PAS leader is not really a Tok Guru. He is more like a “Talk Guru” who uses words as weapons in a multi-level marketing scheme that spreads fear and prejudice.

For example, he claimed that non-Malays cause most of the country’s corruption. 

In the socks saga, a Chinese-owned business surely had no intention to deliberately offend Muslims, especially when they were the main customers.

But even logos on shoe soles can become controversial. Luckily Arabic khat calligraphers have clarified that the logo is not the word “Allah”.

But does that mean all designers must now take calligraphy courses to avoid future accusations? 

Hindu Buddhist mobs overseas

The “act male” politician may have gained popularity but he should remember what Hindu and Buddhist mobs in India and Myanmar have done against Muslim minorities.

In India, Muslims have been beaten up and even killed for “causing offence” by slaughtering cows for food as the animal is considered sacred by Hindus.

In Myanmar, the Buddhist “nationalist” monk Wirathu has called for boycotts of Muslim-owned businesses and hatred against the Rohingyas. He is the Myanmar version of Jamal Md Yunos, the leader of Umno’s Red Shirt rabble-rousers.

Was he punished? No, he was instead awarded the equivalent of a “Datuk Seri” title in January by the military junta government!

Those Hindu and Buddhist ruffians also claim to be “defending” their religion, just as the “act male” guy here does.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh

Of course, Malays can see that such bullying of Muslim minorities overseas is wrong. So, shouldn’t they also be disturbed when non-Malay minorities are being intimidated right here in Malaysia?

Love and forgiveness

So-called “nationalist” monks like Wirathu are actually going against basic Buddhist teachings of unconditional love. A far more sincere monk is Ajahn Brahm, from Perth, Australia.

A journalist once asked him: “What would you do if someone took a Buddhist Holy Book and flushed it down the toilet?” This was when American soldiers were accused of desecrating the Quran at Guantanamo Bay.

Brahm’s reply was, “Sir, the first thing I would do is call a plumber!”

“You may flush a Holy Book down a toilet but you will never flush forgiveness, peace, and compassion down a toilet. The book is neither the religion nor the statue, the building or the priest. These are only ‘containers’.

“What does the book teach us? This is the ‘content’. When we recognise the difference between the container and the contents, then we will preserve the contents even when the container is being destroyed,” said Brahm.

“We can print more books… but when we lose our love and respect for others and ourselves and replace it with violence, then the whole religion has gone down the toilet.”

The Bible also has similar teachings, with Christians told to “love your neighbour as yourself” and to even “love your enemies”. 

Jesus taught his disciples to pray to God, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

I am told there are similar teachings in Islam. As Prof Tajuddin Rasdi explained, the Prophet had forgiven even the assassin who killed and tore the heart out of Hamzah, his beloved uncle and protector.

Admittedly, forgiveness is not easy when we feel indignant, but we should try. Because it's clear that fear and hatred will destroy Malaysia, while love and mercy can heal our land.

So, I am glad that civil society groups now call upon Malaysians of all faiths to fight hate speech by seeking and giving forgiveness (maaf zahir batin).

This practice should not be limited to the Aidilfitri festival but done 365 days a year. Hence, the hashtag #MZB365.

So, please forgive me if I’ve said anything wrong. I too shall try my best to think kindly of all.

Here is wishing everyone Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir batin. - Mkini

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ANDREW SIA is a veteran journalist who likes teh tarik khau kurang manis. You are welcome to give him ideas to brew at tehtarik@gmail.com.

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