AS we reach two-thirds of Ramadan this year, issues from the past continue to plague us.
Just this week, a non-Muslim endured an ordeal during a routine trip to a convenience store. While eating, the 21-year-old student was scolded by an elderly man who then proceeded to slap him multiple times.
The victim later filed a police report. It was reported that the suspect asked about the complainant’s religion and requested to see his identity card. When the victim refused, the situation escalated.
This incident exemplified the classic holier-than-thou approach in moral policing. It does not represent the spirit of unity and tolerance among us.
It also exposed how fragile social cohesion is in Malaysia, as we seem unable to tolerate each other’s beliefs.
Moreover, it provided the ammunition needed for an unhealthy inter-faith and inter-ethnic debate on social media, which is the last thing the country needs.
The Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, commenting on the incident that occurred in its city centre, urged the public not to take matters into their own hands when enforcing religious practices.
Johor executive councillor Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid stated that vigilante actions not only contradict Islamic teachings but also violate the law.
“No one has the right to punish others. If there are concerns, report them to us, and we will investigate, issue notices, or take legal action if necessary,” he said.
Similarly, National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang also condemned the actions of the elderly man, describing them as a threat to national harmony.
“Such actions must be stopped immediately and must not be allowed to take root in a country that upholds the principles of the Rukun Negara,” he stressed.
“I strongly condemn any form of violence, discrimination, and prejudice that could threaten the harmony among races.”
These sentiments were echoed throughout social media by a large section of Muslims who felt that it was not correct to impose their beliefs on others, let alone use violence as a means to an end.
However, there are certain quarters who believe otherwise and embrace extremist notions and thinking. As the world grapples with the concept of conservatism as the answer to liberalism, the lines between what is morally acceptable have become blurred.
We have seen this in other places where, somewhat in retaliation against minorities, there is an attempt to impose a sense of superiority.
In Malaysia, predominantly, we have witnessed this wave of conservative ideals replacing centrist and progressive sentiments.
It is indeed worrying for a country to slowly lose itself, drowning in a community often at odds with each other, with pleasant dialogues replaced by an air of discontent.
Moreover, it is even more concerning in other places that are already conservative, as it provides more reasons to mistreat others and subject them to tyranny.
Recently, another nation found itself in hot water as its religious department began cracking down on non-Muslims dining at eateries during Ramadan.
Their actions not only contradicted Islamic teachings but also inconvenienced others, with Muslim compatriots expressing their concerns about the treatment given.
Given this backdrop, we Malaysians must foster a sense of respect toward each other and accept the differences in racial backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Social media does not always reflect the real world and unity; often described as “polarized”, this is usually not the case. We still communicate with each other every day and, to some extent, depend on one another.
In Sarawak, it is common to see mixed marriages where individuals of different colours and creeds live under the same roof.
Despite the occasional ridicule of Sarawak, accusing us of self-aggrandizement when promoting our unity, in practice, what you see is what you get. That is just how the people are.
We do not intrude into others’ business or inquire about their religions when something seems amiss.
This value of respect and reverence seems in short supply today, as people allow the worst in themselves to take over and succumb to bickering and physical confrontation.
Ignorance and lack of mindfulness when interacting with others of diverse backgrounds and faith should not be a pretext for bigotry.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
