By V Thomas of Sungai Buloh via e-mail
The Low Yat Plaza episode is a stark reminder of how thin the veneer of racial harmony and unity in Malaysia has become. A minor incident was easily turned into a commotion with racial and religious overtones. It is time for some soul searching.
The 2008 general election saw the possible birth of a two-party system, and the expectation was reinforced by the 2013 polls. However, Malaysians have found it difficult to adjust to the new shape and tone of politics in the country. Both the government and the opposition are duty bound to ensure that this transformational political process is not hijacked by vested interests. They must encourage it to bloom for the betterment of the people. This is a difficult transitional journey but maturity on the part of the politicians and the general public will enable Malaysia to become a greater democracy.
It is not right to accuse the online social media and bloggers for blowing things out of proportion as they are merely reacting and responding to a highly charged racist and religious atmosphere.
Since 2008 many NGOs and pressure groups have been having a field day promoting their selfish agendas and interests. Gone are the days when NGOs were associated with noble interests. Nowadays, insignificant issues are magnified to the detriment of national harmony.
We have just five more years to meet our objective of becoming a developed country. One of the hallmarks of this status is maturity, not triviality. Politicians need to show strong leadership to solve the various problems arising in our diverse nation in a rational manner, taking into consideration the needs and rights of all in the 1 Malaysia spirit.
V Thomas of Sungai Buloh is an FMT reader
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