KUALA LUMPUR, February 12 — For generations, Malaysians of all races and religions coexisted peacefully, respecting each other’s customs and traditions. However, political narratives and divisive rhetoric have fueled intolerance, with historical events—such as the publication of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s The Malay Dilemma in 1970—contributing to racial tensions.
The reintroduction of terms like pendatang and orang asing has further deepened divisions, reinforcing a narrative that challenges the multicultural fabric of the nation. The politicization of racial and religious identity has led to incidents of discrimination, from derogatory remarks in schools to efforts to abolish vernacular education.
Critics argue that race-based politics serve vested interests rather than the people, and they call for firm action against those inciting division under laws like Section 298A of the Penal Code. True national unity, they emphasize, requires leadership that confronts the root causes of disharmony rather than merely preaching inclusivity.
