Amirul’s family needs support, not inflammatory rhetoric

 A tragedy like this should bring Malaysians together, not drive us apart.

The tragic death of a father, killed after being struck by a drunken driver, filled me with great sadness this Hari Raya.

Even more disheartening were the news reports, the inflammatory rhetoric on social media, and an opportunistic MP seeking political mileage.

Amirul Hafiz Omar’s death could, if not addressed carefully, deepen a rift in society for decades to come.

The fact that the suspect and the victim were of different ethnicities has allowed certain individuals to racialise what is, at its core, an act of reckless behaviour.

Viewing such irresponsibility through a racial lens unfortunately and undeservedly shifts the focus away from the grieving family, who need support—both financial and emotional.

Harping on the suspect’s apparently “immoral” lifestyle serves no purpose other than to stereotype a community that is likely just as angered by the act, trapping a multi-racial society in unproductive whataboutism.

As a father, my heart aches for the victim’s family—in this case, Amirul’s parents, widow, and children.

But it also makes me reflect on the bleak future that faces the perpetrator and the hardship that his parents will have to endure. Both the victims and the suspect, who is in his 20s, deserve help.

This is why we must question the emotionally charged reporting of this tragedy by some media outlets.

The manner in which it was written is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it effectively highlights the family’s anguish, but on the other, it risks raising communal tensions that could harm the nation.

What is the motive behind reporting the story in such a way? For clicks? Why are some media outlets behaving like podcasters who thrive on populist narratives, without the same level of professionalism and conscience?

It is downright irresponsible.

Then there are politicians who focus solely on the racial backgrounds of the victim and the suspect, demanding punishments not stipulated under existing laws.

Why the rush to demand such “justice”? Would these politicians call for the same punishment if the suspect and victim were of the same race? Or if the suspect were their own child?

What if the accident was caused by other factors unrelated to driving under the influence? Shouldn’t we wait for the full investigation?

Again, let us refrain from racialising this tragedy. There is no need to ask whether those involved were Malay, Chinese or Indian. It is enough to know that there is a victim and that a suspect has been arrested.

Tragedy is not caused by one’s colour or creed. Instead, such sorrow should bring us together—to demand better laws or to examine the root causes more deeply.

Let us also sit our children down and help them understand the importance of being responsible behind the wheel.

For now, let us mourn with the family and support them in their hour of need.

And finally, let us pray for Amirul’s family—that they may find comfort during this difficult time—and perhaps also for our country. - FMT

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