Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
– Martin Luther King, American civil rights leader
Malaysia, once a fine example of multiracial harmony, is increasingly gripped by racial and religious tensions, particularly in the Peninsula – or more accurately, in what we traditionally refer to as Malaya. While Sarawak and Sabah continue to thrive as model states of interfaith and interracial peace, the situation in Malaya is worrying.
The latest string of controversies – from irresponsible remarks by radio DJs mocking Hinduism to the inflammatory statements made by independent preacher Zamri Vinoth – has reopened old wounds and exposed new fissures in our fragile social fabric.
It is painful to acknowledge, but necessary: race and religion have become tools for division in Malaya. This is not a new phenomenon, but a deep-rooted malaise that has persisted for decades, made worse by political manipulation, structural weaknesses and a worrying lack of national integration.
Sarawak and Sabah, by contrast, stand in marked difference, where religious and racial tolerance is more than a slogan – it is our way of life.
The latest debacle involving the three DJs making fun of a Hindu ritual is just one of many unfortunate examples. Though they issued public apologies and claimed their actions were unintentional, the damage was done.
Respect for religion, especially in a country like Malaysia where multiculturalism is enshrined in our identity, should never be an afterthought. The radio station was fined RM250,000 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), but the more significant question remains: why does this keep happening?
What is more troubling is the slow reaction from politicians. In the past, such incidents would have drawn firm condemnation from leaders across the political divide. Today, it seems the silence is deafening, either strategic or indicative of a deeper problem – apathy or even tacit approval. Are we becoming a society where a public apology is enough to wipe away the consequences of deliberate or careless provocation?
This troubling trend, where individuals stir up religious or racial controversy only to apologise later, must not be allowed to continue. Authorities must move beyond passive statements. Law enforcement agencies, ministries and relevant institutions must take swift and transparent action.
Society must not be allowed to believe that these agencies are toothless or biased. The last thing we want is for frustrated citizens to take matters into their own hands due to a lack of faith in institutional justice. We have seen before what such frustration can lead to, and we cannot afford a repeat of history.
To make matters worse, while the nation was still reeling from the DJs incident, the spotlight shifted to Zamri. His alleged remarks insulting Hinduism sparked a wave of anger and fear.
The Inspector-General of Police revealed that over 800 police reports have been filed against him, yet no decisive action has been taken. The police claim the Attorney General’s Chambers is still reviewing the investigation. Meanwhile, tensions simmer.
Let us be clear – these are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a larger illness. Racial and religious polarisation in Malaya has long been brewing.
Politicians must shoulder a large part of the blame. Many have found it politically expedient to play the race and religion card for short-term gain, knowing full well the long-term damage it causes. This exploitation of identity divides has become deeply entrenched in our political ecosystem.
It is high time for Malaya to take a hard look in the mirror. We cannot continue brushing these issues under the carpet, pretending that they are minor hiccups. The longer we delay structural reforms, the harder it becomes to repair the damage.
But where do we begin?
For starters, we must acknowledge the dangerous role traditional and social media often play in these situations. Sensational headlines and provocative social media posts serve as accelerants, turning sparks into full-blown fires.
News outlets must exercise editorial responsibility, and regulators must ensure that media platforms do not become breeding grounds for hate and division. Algorithms that thrive on outrage need to be scrutinised and moderated.
Irresponsible media content can create the illusion of widespread division even when the majority of Malaysians still value unity.
Our education system is another critical area that needs reform. The current structure, fragmented into vernacular, religious and national schools, has resulted in generations of students growing up in racially homogenous environments.
This lack of early exposure to other ethnicities and faiths reinforces stereotypes and deepens divides. We need a truly integrated national education system – one that does not erase culture but acknowledges it within a common framework of unity.
A single school system that teaches mutual respect, promotes multicultural values and instils a strong sense of shared Malaysian identity must become a reality, not just a distant dream. I know a lot of people might not be pleased when I suggest that vernacular schools should go. They cause a division in our education system! I am not mincing my words!
The curriculum, too, needs a reset. History books must reflect the diverse contributions of all communities in building this country. Every child should learn about the sacrifices, achievements, and struggles of Orang Asli, Dayaks, Kadazans, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others – not in separate chapters, but as part of one national story.
Education must become a tool for unity, not division!
Beyond schools, we need a national narrative that transcends race and religion. This means promoting the Malaysian identity above all else. National campaigns, media programming, public service announcements – all must work in hand in hand to instil a deep sense of belonging to a shared nationhood.
Let us teach our young in Malaya to see themselves not as Malay, Chinese, Indian or others first, but as Malaysians.
Policy-wise, we must gradually move away from race-based affirmative action towards needs-based support. The idea is not to deny historical imbalances but to ensure that assistance reaches the poor and disadvantaged of all backgrounds.
A struggling Malay single mother and a struggling Indian or Chinese family should have equal access to aid. This shift can help foster a sense of fairness, where no one feels left behind due to their ethnicity.
Political reform is equally vital. We need multiracial political parties that advocate policies based on merit, justice, and inclusivity – not on ethno-religious loyalties. The long-term health of our democracy depends on parties that unite rather than divide.
Our institutions must also be strengthened. Judiciary, law enforcement, media regulators, and public service agencies must be seen as impartial, acting firmly and fairly regardless of who the offender is.
Anti-discrimination laws must be introduced to protect all citizens from racial or religious bias in employment, education, housing, and public spaces. Without legal protection, talk of unity remains hollow.
Finally, we must address economic inequality. Access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities must be equitable. When people feel secure in their livelihoods, they are less susceptible to divisive rhetoric. Economic harmony and social harmony go hand in hand.
As we confront these challenges, perhaps the most effective lesson comes not from policy papers or committees but from within our own federation. Sarawak and Sabah have long demonstrated that peace and harmony are possible.
Their leaders have actively resisted the politicisation of religion and race. Interfaith dialogue is common. Respect for diversity is deeply rooted. In Sarawak, religious differences are not feared, but embraced as part of the human mosaic.
Perhaps it is time for political leaders and policymakers in Malaya to take a crash course on unity – from Sarawak and Sabah. Let them learn from what works. Let them see how religious and racial respect is not just a slogan, but a lived reality.
If Malaya continues to ignore these warning signs, the consequences will be dire. But if the people there act now – firmly, fairly, and decisively – they can still build the harmonious, united Malaysia that our founding fathers envisioned. Let us not waste any more time.
Let us choose unity, over and over again.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
